By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for utilisation and expansion of gas supply in the state.
This is as the country seeks to boost its domestic gas penetration aspirations in line with the federal government Decade of Gas plans which is aimed at utilising the nation’s abundant gas resources to power the nation’s economy through a number of strategic gas expansion projects such as the ongoing OB3 and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Projects.
Speaking at the MoU execution ceremony, which was held on Thursday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, said the initiative would help develop the state’s industries.
“We all know that Kaduna used to be a hub when it comes to industries. It is our hope that this MoU signing will help provide the gas needed for some of those industries to come back to life,” Mr Kyari stated.
He said the corporation was committed to the commercialisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to support balanced economic growth and job creation across the country, stressing that as the world transits to low carbon energy, the nation’s huge gas resources would continue to be an important source of clean energy for today and the future.
“There is no better way of making cheaper and cleaner energy than delivering gas into the domestic market,” he declared.
The NNPC helmsman further stated that the corporation would continue to engage with stakeholders and partners to secure early markets and ensure that the economic benefits of the AKK gas pipeline were maximized.
“NNPC is leading this coordinated effort with State Governments and private sector investors to develop demand framework for immediate and long-term gas supply solutions ahead of the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project,” he noted.
The GMD also expressed gratitude to the Kaduna Government for hosting NNPC’s facilities such as the Refinery complex, the Depot, the ongoing AKK gas pipeline and Independent Power Plant Projects (IPPs).
In his remarks, Governor Nasiru El-Rufai said the Kaduna State Government was delighted with the prospect of having additional energy sources to power businesses in the state.
“We wholeheartedly welcome this project. Gas provides a cost-effective option for powering factories, homes and vehicles. For the Kaduna State Government, this project is a welcome boost to our investment and job creation strategy.
“It will create jobs and provide skills for artisans who will work on the gas pipelines and associated infrastructure. Beyond that, this project will power the industries that have responded with enthusiasm to our investment promotion campaign,” Mr El-Rufai stated.
“Let there be no doubt that the Kaduna State Government is committed to this MoU and the realisation of its goals in the interest of the people of Kaduna State,” he added.
The MoU was signed by Mr Kyari on behalf of the agency while Mr El-Rufai signed on behalf of the state government.
The event, which was facilitated by the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), would ensure long-term involvement and support of Kaduna State Government and key gas sector players such as the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) and virtual pipeline companies to provide gas supply assurance to industries within the state on competitive terms.
