The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has said there are crucial efforts to drive gas penetration in Nigeria’ through investments and partnerships with local investors with key focus in northern Nigeria.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Engr. Ginah O. Ginah stated this yesterday in Abuja during a workshop for journalists.
He said, “Up North, the NCDMB is supporting Butane Energy Limited to establish Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling plants and depots in Abuja and 10 northern states, just as, it is investing with MOB Integrated Services for the construction of the 500 million tons inland LPG terminal in Dikko, Niger State.
“The project will include the construction of a cylinder refurbishment plant, procurement of 80,000 bottles of LPG cylinders and acquisition of distribution assets,” he said.
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He further noted that Nigeria’s local capacity has improved over the years as improved access to intervention funds has seen indigenous operators access at least $293.26 million and N32.85 billion under the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund managed by the Bank of Industry since inception in 2017.
The board’s official also said the Nigerian Content performance for 2022 has increased to 54 per cent, surpassing the 42% target that was set for the year.
“Our statistics also reveal that the average Nigerian Content performance in the last five years is 44%, which is also beyond the set targets.”
He added that it means more Nigerians are participating in oil and gas sector activities rather than foreigners and International Oil Companies (IOCs).
Ginah also explained efforts to develop local oil refining by NCDMB noting that three more modular refineries are expected to begin operation in the coming year.
On gas growth, he said, “We have partnered with 15 firms on gas development and 70% of our investments are on gas base activities especially in the midstream and downstream.”
By Simon E. Sunday & Philip S. Clement