The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, inaugurated the first Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) facility in North-east Nigeria yesterday, underscoring the potential of public-private partnerships to advance the federal government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ strategy.
Speaking at the ceremony in Yola, Adamawa State, Ekpo remarked that the Greenville LNG initiative establishes a new benchmark for energy accessibility and sustainability.
“The strategic location of this facility in the North-east is of great importance. This region has historically faced infrastructural challenges that have hindered its full economic development.
“This facility in Yola signifies a turning point. It serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, not just for Adamawa, but for the broader region. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources can and must benefit all areas of our nation,” he added.
A statement from his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, quoted Ekpo as saying that President Bola Tinubu has made it a national priority to leverage Nigeria’s gas resources for economic growth, industrialisation, and social progress. He noted that the LCNG model exemplifies such innovative approaches.
According to him, the facility offers an integrated solution for powering vehicles and industrial equipment with both LNG and CNG, providing cleaner, more economical alternatives to diesel and petrol.
Ekpo stated: “This groundbreaking project highlights the federal government’s unwavering commitment to drive economic growth through gas adoption, harnessing the vast potential of natural gas as a foundation for national energy security.
“By employing advanced technology and innovative models like this LCNG facility, we are setting a new standard for energy accessibility and sustainability. This facility delivers not just energy, but also hope, job creation, business support, and peace through inclusive development.”
He encouraged other investors and gas developers to participate in the LCNG project, noting that there remains significant ground to cover and many underserved communities. He expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Adamawa State for their assistance in providing land and a conducive environment for contractors, stating that CNG is a cheaper and cleaner option than petrol, and that Tinubu has positive intentions for Adamawa.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, commended the federal government for enabling the investment, aligning it with the state’s vision for cleaner, affordable energy solutions.
The governor acknowledged the real impacts of climate change and affirmed that it informs every policy and project aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring healthy air for citizens.
“We will need more federal support, and we will do our best to ensure the project’s success,” he asserted.
Chairman of Greenville, Mr. Eddy Van Ben Broeke, announced a commitment of over $1 billion in investments in Nigeria, with plans for similar projects in other states, calling for government support to bring these initiatives to fruition.
