Efforts to attain energy security and harness Nigeria’s natural gas resources for economic growth and environmental sustainability, received major boost following the commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) and Injection Facility in Delta State by the Nigerian Government.
Located in Umusam community, near Kwale, the administrative headquarter of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state, KGG is an initiative of Nedogas Development Company Limited which is a joint venture company between Xenergy Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) in collaboration with the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), being a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Designed to address the issue of stranded gas resources, the facility has a capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd),
According to the chairman of Nedogas Development Company Limited, Emeka Ene, the plant will unlock potential natural gas fields in the OML 56 oil province through its gas gathering, compression, injection, and metering activities.
Ene said the breakthrough aligned with Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, aimed at leveraging vast natural gas reserves for national development.
He said the plant will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and contribute significantly to the economic upliftment of the host and nearby communities.
Commissioning the facility, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the KGG plant will boost the electricity industry, improve industrial productivity, and offer more environmentally friendly home energy options.
The minister described the project as an important step in attaining economic diversification and energy security by fostering industrial expansion for more job opportunities.
“We will be able to process natural gas more efficiently at the Nedogas Plant, which will increase both our domestic supply and export potential. These facilities will also have an impact on a number of other industries.
“A greater supply of gas will boost the electricity industry, improve industrial productivity, and offer more environmentally friendly home energy options,” he stated.
Like Oliver Twist, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged the company to replicate the KGG plant across the state, describing it a milestone in the nation’s quest for energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Represented by his deputy, Mr. Monday Onyeme, the governor appealed to the company to enhance the use of local content and fulfill its corporate social responsibility, saying that “we believe that this plant will create jobs for the company which is a win- win situation for all.
He noted that the plant will boost Nigeria’s current reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas representing 33 percent of Africa total gas reserves.
“It is heartwarming 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.
“So, you can understand my joy that these hazards that range from health to air pollution can significantly be checked with the provision of this plant as my administration is delivering the M.O.R.E. Agenda to Deltans which simply translates to Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and Development,” he added.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Omatsola Ogbe said the commissioning of the facility represent major strides towards enhancing the energy capabilities and reinforcing Nigeria’s position on the global energy map.
He also mentioned that the success of these projects also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities, stating that It is through such partnerships that the nation can achieve meaningful progress and ensure equitable sharing of the benefits of its natural resources.
“Similarly, KGG facility plays a critical role in our efforts to minimise gas flaring, an environmental challenge that has long plagued our industry,” Ogbe stated.
He restated NCDMB’s preparedness to support similar initiatives that promote local content to drive economic growth and improve life for all Nigerians, just as he promised to advocate for policies and practices that encourage the participation of Nigerian companies and professionals in the oil and gas industry.