From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
President Bola Tinubu and governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori have stated the need to boost energy.
They disclosed this at the inauguration of Upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and Kwale Gas Gathering Facility, Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to them, energy is vital in the socio-economic life of the people.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed that the federal government is committed to harnessing the rich gas resources and commended the board and executive management of Nedogas Development Company Limited, NDCL, and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, for making the project possible.
Also, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, stated that the successful setting up of the gas processing plant in Kwale should encourage other investors to set up such in other parts of the state where gas flaring takes place.
“I call for the replication of this project in other parts of the state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people, emphasizing that one can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability.
“Even more worrisome is the World Bank’s report that due to poor power supply in the country, businesses spend about $29 billion yearly on power.
“It is quite unfortunate that the country is ranked the lowest in terms of access to electricity globally”.
Governor Oborevwori stated that the projects would no doubt benefit Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State in legion ways.
According to him, Nigeria boasts of a reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 percent of Africa’s total gas reserves.
“This places Nigeria as the ninth country with high concentration of natural gas in the world.
“So, with these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost, especially in the critical area of supply.
“It is heartwarming, too, that this facility will have gas supplied to it by other oil companies that are operating in this area which will greatly reduce the effects of gas flaring on our people.
“We are aware that the level of gas flaring is very high in this part of the world, despite its acknowledged adverse effects on the climate, causing acid rain and adversely affecting the health of the people.”
On his part, the Chairman, Nedogas Limited, Emeka Ene thanked government, strategic partners and the community for the providing the needed support and enabling environment to achieve the project.
He said, “KGG Facility, with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination and strategic partnership converge.
“No doubt, these projects will lead to the creation of a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities, too, thereby boosting the economy of our state.
“I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people.
“I also urge Nedogas Limited and its partner, NCDMB to enhance the use of local content, meet its social responsibilities and above all, ensure conducive and peaceful relationship with the host communities.”
