By Adedapo Adesanya
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, has said the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project will create wealth, and improve the standard of living of countries in the African region.
Mr Kyari said this during the signing ceremony of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project Memoranda of Understanding on Thursday, which involved the signing of agreements on the gas pipeline project with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco and the ECOWAS Commission.
NNPC in a statement said the two countries and ECOWAS executed the Memorandum of Understanding agreement on the project in a ceremony held at Hotel Sofitel in the Moroccan Capital.
The state oil company chief said it is a significant step in fulfilling the federal government’s drive toward harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline was proposed in a December 2016 agreement between the NNPC and the Moroccan Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (National Board of Hydrocarbons and Mines).
At the event which was held in Morocco, Mr Kyari said the gas pipeline project will also help in the mitigation of desertification and other benefits that will accrue as a result of the reduction in carbon emission.
He described the event as a very important milestone in the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project as it reaffirms the commitment of stakeholders to deliver on the project.
He explained further that the NNPC is well positioned to progress the project by leveraging its experience and technical capabilities ranging from gas production, processing, transmission, and marketing as well as the country’s vast experience in executing major gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
From the inception of the project to this stage, Mr Kyari said concerted efforts have been made by the Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco which led to the very commendable achievements recorded.
He expressed appreciation to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Muhammadu Buhari for entrusting NNPC Ltd with this strategic project.
He said, “As you are aware, our countries stand to benefit immeasurably from the execution of the project which extends beyond the supply of gas to energize the countries along the route.
“Some of the benefits include the creation of wealth and improvement in the standard of living, integration of the economies within the region, mitigation against desertification and other benefits that will accrue as a result of a reduction in carbon emission.
“I am glad to say that NNPC is well positioned to progress the project by leveraging our experience and technical capabilities ranging from gas production, processing, transmission and marketing as well as our vast experience in executing major gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
“On our part, NNPC Limited will facilitate the continuous supply of gas and provide other enablers such as the required land for the first compressor station for the pipeline to be deployed in Nigeria which is among the thirteen stations earmarked along the pipeline route.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I would like to thank you all as we continue to strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our countries.”
