Nigeria plans to expand gas resources
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the federal government is taking steps to expand and develop its huge gas resources through enhanced gas exploration, development and utilization programs.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to play a leading role in energy transformation to achieve zero net CO2 emissions, with natural gas playing a central role.
Slyva, who spoke at the 10th anniversary celebration of West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) in Lagos, said Nigeria has about 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves, with upside potential of 600TCF.
"It is well positioned to play a leading role in providing much needed gas. In addition, the recently enacted Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) will undoubtedly support Nigeria's, and indeed the world's, efforts to eradicate energy poverty as envisaged by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
"The AIP has generous incentives to improve gas development, distribution, penetration and utilization, even as it encourages entry into the midstream," he said.
He added that the government should continue to develop the natural gas industry towards global economic recovery and shared prosperity.
"This is vital, given that the current world population of about 7.6 billion is expected to grow to 8.6 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100, according to United Nations estimates.
"About half of the increases between 2017 and 2050 are expected from five African countries - Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda," he said.
On the occasion of WAPCo's 10th anniversary, Sylva said its creation represents the region's effort in self-development and energy security.
He said the initial objective of the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project was, among other things, to improve the competitiveness of the energy sectors in Ghana, Benin and Togo.
"This is to promote the use of cheaper and environmentally friendly Nigerian natural gas instead of solid and liquid fuels for power generation and other industrial, commercial and domestic uses.
"Ten years later, WAGP has literally become the poster child for economic integration in West Africa.
"The synergy that created this community of industry players, under the banner of public-private partnership, is what we are currently advocating as an administration.
"The GAO has contributed enormously to the growth of the energy sectors of participating countries, stimulating industrialization, creating jobs, increasing the revenues of state parties and improving infrastructure development. he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Greg Germani, Managing Director, (WAPCo) said that from design to construction, throughout the operational phase of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), Nigeria has been a constant and integral part of the WAGP value chain.
He said Nigeria shares its promise and resources with the rest of the sub-region.
"I also salute the vision and courage of ECOWAS and the commitment it took to navigate the complexities of forging a bond between four diverse nations, with two private concerns, to create this outstanding example of partnership and collaboration.
"As we traveled the entire stretch of the pipeline system, celebrating GAO's successes and accomplishments and sharing our stories, I could only stop to marvel at the human spirit.
"Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 10 years of operations will certainly come with obstacles and challenges.
"However, WAPCo is now an efficient and reliable natural gas transporter for its customers in Benin, Togo and Ghana, supporting safe, cleaner, efficient, long-term and secure power generation from gas supplies in Nigeria and Ghana.
"WAPCo continues to focus on maintaining a significant safety achievement that reflects our passion and commitment to a strong safety culture," he said.
In his address, Malam Mohammed Ahmed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), said WAPCo had contributed to the development, distribution, penetration and use of gas in Nigeria.
Ahmed said the company has gone through different challenges, adding that it has achieved different achievements.
He urged them to continue the good work
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olalere Odusote, said the administration was ready to partner with WAPCo to create more jobs for its people.
Odusote commended the company's management for promoting the use of cheaper and environmentally friendly Nigerian natural gas instead of solid and liquid fuels.
He said the Lagos government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.