**** The gas project is a significant milestone- NNPC
CHIGOZIE AMADI
NIPCO Gas Ltd. and its joint venture partner, NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd. (NGML), inaugurated a major gas supply project on Wednesday, delivering over 100 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) of gas to the Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) in Lagos.
During the commissioning, Mr. Nagendra Verma, Managing Director of NIPCO Gas, described the project as a significant step in leveraging Nigeria’s natural gas resources for economic growth.
Verma noted that this initiative would enhance industrialization and create job opportunities in the Lekki area, ultimately benefiting the national economy.
Verma explained, “The collaboration between NGML and NIPCO Gas will attract industries to the Lekki Free Zone, which offers numerous advantages, including proximity to the sea-port, export promotion benefits, and improved road connectivity.
This provides better logistics for the movement of raw materials and finished products.”
He added that the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV has established a natural gas distribution network along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, with plans to extend distribution to Ibadan and Abeokuta.
“This network is already supporting numerous industries, leading to regional development, increased employment, and socio-economic upliftment. Industries benefit from reliable, cost-effective, and clean fuel, which reduces their fuel bills and maintenance costs.”
NIPCO Gas began its partnership with NGML for natural gas supply and distribution in the Lekki Gas Distribution Area in June 2022.
In November 2022, the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV signed a Gas Infrastructure and Development Agreement with LFZDC to ensure natural gas supplies for both industries and a power plant.
Verma added, “We are proud to announce the commissioning of the Lekki Gas Distribution Project and the Lekki Power Plant with support from NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC).”
Mr. Justin Ezeala, Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd., called the event a milestone in the country’s gas infrastructure development. Ezeala praised NIPCO Gas for its commitment and professionalism, stating, “We are grateful for NIPCO Gas’s dedication.
This partnership with NIPCO Gas, known for its significant strides in gas marketing and infrastructure, has been instrumental in our success.”
He continued, “NNPC Gas Marketing, in collaboration with LFZDC and NIPCO Gas, brings added value to the gas business.
NIPCO has consistently demonstrated excellence in pipeline construction and customer service.
We are proud of our association with NIPCO and look forward to the continued success of this project.”
Dai Shunfa, Managing Director of LFZDC, highlighted the project’s positive impact on the zone, noting that the gas pipeline is now fully operational.
“This project will drive economic growth and enhance local community capacity. We successfully negotiated this agreement with NIPCO and NGML, and it is now a reality. This facility will be crucial for our development.”
Shunfa also mentioned that the Lekki Free Zone hosts over 100 companies, with around 75 currently operational.
This gas infrastructure development will foster business growth in the Ibeju Lekki community and support economic expansion in Lagos.
