Ekpo Seeks More Investment in Cutting-edge Facilities to Boost Gas Supply

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for greater investments in cutting-edge gas processing facilities in the country to boost supply.

The minister also urged the members of the new Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to make inclusivity and collaboration top priorities in decision-making.

Ekpo spoke at a retreat and governing council meeting of the MDGIF held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, according to a statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah.

He said investment in infrastructure projects was essential to the effective distribution, transportation, and use of natural gas throughout Nigeria and should be stimulated by the MDGIF.

He stressed the need for the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as substitute fuels for cooking and transportation.

According to him, the construction of gas processing plants remains critical to increasing the value of the country’s natural gas resources.

He said: “These plants are critical in separating and purifying raw gas streams, resulting in commercial products such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane.

“By investing in cutting-edge gas processing facilities, we can improve the quality and quantity of gas supplies available for local consumption and export, thus driving economic growth and attracting investment in the area.

“Through encouraging the use of LPG for home use and CNG for transportation, we can lessen our dependency on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution, and enhance public health outcomes.

“In order to do this, we must give top priority to building LPG distribution networks and CNG refuelling stations around the country, ensuring that these clean energy sources are available and reasonably priced for everyone.”