The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd, and its partners have launched five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The groundbreaking ceremony, on Thursday, marked the commencement of construction on the plants—NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete.
A statement by the spokesperson of the company, Mr Olufemi Soneye, said together, these facilities boast a total processing capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, mmscf/d.
“NNPC Ltd holds stakes in three of the five projects—90% in Prime LNG, 50% in NGML/Gasnexus LNG, and 10% in BUA LNG—while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are independently developed by private investors.
“This strategic partnership is set to drive energy sufficiency, support off-grid industries, and reduce carbon emissions nationwide,” he said.
Speaking at the event, NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Federal Government’s gas-to-power vision.
He emphasized that natural gas is pivotal to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification.
“These Mini-LNG plants will facilitate the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, offering a cleaner and more affordable energy source for households, businesses, and industries—especially in areas lacking gas pipeline infrastructure,” Kyari stated.
He credited NNPC Ltd’s advancements in gas projects to President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support in leveraging Nigeria’s gas resources to drive industrialization, energy security, and economic development.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, hailed the initiative as an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He reiterated that natural gas is a key driver of industrialization and prosperity, aligning with the government’s goal of harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for national development while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude for the siting of the projects in the state, describing them as a major step toward achieving energy security.
Ododo lauded President Tinubu, NNPC Ltd, and its partners for their investment in Ajaokuta, noting that the plants will create job opportunities and attract further investments to the region.
The governor pledged the state government’s full support for the projects, including workforce provision, security, and host community collaboration.
NNPC Ltd Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, highlighted the significance of the initiative in advancing Nigeria’s energy sector. He emphasized that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a new era of sustainable energy, security, and industrial growth.
The launch of the mini-LNG plants represents a bold move toward maximizing Nigeria’s gas potential, ensuring energy accessibility, and positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition.
