… NIPCO Gas, NNPCL operationalize gas supply to 24 MW power plant in Lagos Lekki Free Trade Zone
Oredola Adeola
This milestone was the centerpiece of the commissioning ceremony held at the Lekki Free Zone on Wednesday.
Justin Ezeala, Managing Director of NGML, who conveyed the greetings of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, and Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, to all the stakeholders involved in the successful commissioning of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) gas project, emphasized that the efficient utilization of gas within the zone is expected to attract a wave of new businesses, thereby increasing demand for gas resources.
He noted that the management of LFTZ is committed to optimizing the use of the supplied gas in anticipation of these upcoming developments.
“The management of the Lekki Free Trade Zone has made a commitment to optimizing the utilization of the supplied gases in anticipation of new businesses set to launch in the coming months,” Ezeala stated.
Ezeala also praised NIPCO for their exemplary performance and strong partnership in bringing the LFTZ gas project to fruition.
“NIPCO has consistently demonstrated professionalism and dedication in our collaborations. Whenever NNPC considers NIPCO for development deals, they have proven their reliability and commitment,” he remarked.
He further acknowledged the efforts of the NGML team, expressing pride in their role in providing gas to such an exclusive market.
Ezeala further emphasised that the partnership between NGML and NIPCO is crucial in driving the success of the LFTZ and contributing to the broader Nigerian economy.
He noted that this capacity is extendable to over 100 mmscfd, aligning with the growing demands of the Lekki Free Zone.
“The completion of this facility is a major milestone in harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources for economic development,” Verma stated.
He emphasized that the infrastructure created by the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV is expected to attract more industries to the Lekki Free Zone, spurring further development.
He also pointed out that the Lekki Free Zone, with its gas-based power plant of 24 MW capacity, stands to benefit significantly from the availability of piped natural gas, which will boost industrialization and create employment opportunities in the area.
Verma credited the successful commissioning of the Lekki Gas Distribution Project to the support from key stakeholders, including Mele Kyari, GCEO of NNPC, and the continued guidance of the EVP Gas, Power & New Energy.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by the MD of NGIC.
The MD of NIPCO gas further revealed that the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV is expanding its natural gas distribution network along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, now reaching industries in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“This expansion has led to increased industrial development, job creation, and socio-economic upliftment in these areas,” Verma said.
Verma underscored the economic benefits of using natural gas, citing its lower cost and reduced maintenance expenses for industries.
He also mentioned the expansion of AutoCNG stations across Nigeria under the Presidential CNG initiative, with a commitment to maintaining competitive prices.
“NIPCO Gas is honored to be part of the prestigious Lekki Free Zone project,” Verma added, expressing gratitude to NNPC Gas Marketing Limited and the Lekki Free Zone Development Company for their partnership.
Verma assured that NIPCO Gas remains committed to ensuring 100 percent customer satisfaction in the transportation of gas molecules within the Lekki Free Zone.
Dai Shunfa, Managing Director of Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), emphasized the strategic role of the Lekki Free Zone in regional manufacturing, trade, and logistics since its official inauguration in 2006.
However, he acknowledged that the project has faced slow progress primarily due to energy challenges.
“Since inception, we have witnessed slow progress due to energy issues. Although we have been trying to make things work here, there is no gas to drive all the operations within the free trade zones,” Shunfa stated.
He underscored the critical importance of gas supply for industrial development, noting that recent developments in pipeline infrastructure have provided the necessary gas connections.
“Gas is very important and fundamental to industrial development. I believe the pipeline gas has been connected, and we are now very much ready to kick off and contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy,” Shunfa added.
Highlighting the scope of operations within the zone, Shunfa pointed out that over 121 companies are currently operating in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, with around 75 of them set to benefit from the gas supply.
He further noted that the NGML-NIPCO Gas JV’s provision of gas to the zone would reduce energy costs and protect the environment due to the cleaner nature of gas as a fuel source.
Jamal Bello, Executive Director of P & C, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) commended NIPCO and the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) for their significant strides toward creating a sustainable and energy-efficient destination.
He commended the management of NIPCO gas and LFTZ for this milestone, which he described as marks a major step toward sustainability and energy efficiency.
“I also want to acknowledge the dedication of the entire NGML team and the support of the host community in achieving this success and boosting the Nigerian economy,” Bello stated.
