By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) company towards solving Nigeria’s energy challenges.
One of the areas the agency is looking to partner with the NLNG is to increase gas use in cooking, transportation and power generation.
During a visit of the management of the NLNG in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed, applauded the sister organisation for prioritising domestic supply, which has had a significant impact on deepening gas consumption in the country.
The NMDPRA CEO reiterated the federal government’s goal of deepening LPG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) especially for autogas as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), to cushion the effect in a situation of an upward spike in oil prices.
He gave assurance that the authority would put in place policies that would not stifle businesses but rather provide a level playing field to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the industry.
On his part, Mr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director, NLNG, said the company would continue to prioritise the growing domestic LPG market and increase utilisation by supplying 100 per cent Propane and Butane production.
Mr Mshelbila also revealed ongoing plans of the NLNG to commence operation for the Nigerian domestic LNG market this year, in line with the government’s desire to boost local consumption.
He explained that the move was part of the NLNG’s dedication to participate in industrialising Nigeria by providing efficient energy in line with the federal government’s developmental initiatives and as one of the two focus areas of the company.
“The other area of focus is to remain globally competitive,” Mr Mshelbila added.
He pledged the company’s dedication and commitment toward making Nigeria an energy-sufficient nation.
