Five mini-LNG plants were inaugurated in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, aimed at enhancing gas utilisation, boosting Nigeria’s energy security, and driving industrial growth
In a significant move to promote domestic gas utilisation, Nigeria has inaugurated five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
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The new plants, launched on January 30, 2025, have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) and form part of the Federal Government’s Gas Revolution Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic growth and development through enhanced energy production.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction on five key mini-LNG plants: NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete.
The event, attended by several dignitaries, was seen as a significant step in advancing Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. NNPC Ltd holds stakes in three of the plants—90% in Prime LNG, 50% in NGML/Gasnexus LNG, and 10% in BUA LNG—while the remaining two are developed by private investors.
The development is expected to drive energy sufficiency, support off-grid industrial operations, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions across the country.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed his gratitude for the location of the plants, highlighting the potential for significant investment and employment opportunities in the region.
He also pledged the state government’s full support, including providing adequate security and collaborating with host communities.
NNPC Ltd’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, spoke passionately about the transformative role natural gas will play in Nigeria’s industrialisation and job creation efforts.
Kyari noted that these mini-LNG plants would help increase access to cleaner and cheaper energy, particularly in areas without gas pipeline infrastructure.
He further emphasised the role the plants would play in supporting the country’s GDP and contributing to the government’s flare down initiatives, which aim to reduce wasteful gas flaring.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, also praised the initiative, describing it as an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to utilising the nation’s abundant natural gas resources to fuel industrialisation and economic growth.
Ekpo assured NNPC Ltd and its partners of continued governmental support for the successful development of these facilities.
The ceremony also attracted attention from key figures such as Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of NNPC Ltd, and members of the Nigerian Senate, including Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who recognised the importance of the project in advancing Nigeria’s energy security.
The five mini-LNG plants are expected to provide a steady supply of natural gas to various sectors, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on expensive and less environmentally friendly energy alternatives.
The project is also seen as a critical component of the country’s strategy to achieve energy security and industrial growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
As Nigeria continues to explore ways to harness its vast natural resources for economic growth, the successful implementation of these mini-LNG plants will be a vital step in ensuring sustainable energy access and creating new avenues for investment and job creation.
