The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) plans to build five small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Kogi State, according to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
She announced this development during the Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Bayelsa State on Tuesday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that the projects, expected to start next year, represent the highest number of such facilities concentrated in a single location within the country.
“I would like to appreciate NNPC and the industry experts who have also considered and humbled us at Ajaokuta Local Government, with the (not too sure if it’s too early to speak about it), establishment of five mini LNG plants which will be flagged off early next year. And this is actually the largest concentration of such projects in one district in the entire country. Five, not one, two, three, four, but five mini LNG plants will be established in Ajaokuta by God’s grace next year,” she said.
The senator expressed optimism about the initiative, describing it as a step towards establishing Ajaokuta as a hub for technological innovation and industrial development.
“That’s good news for us, good news for Nigeria. So what does that mean? This and many others are just pivotal, it’s important to know that if there’s any place in the country where we should situate a technology hub that will not only drive innovations but talk about the testing and brainstorming around the various kinds of metals and what these metals can do for the industry. It’s just Ajaokuta Local Government,“ she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also provided an update on the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company, disclosing that the Nigerian Government had re-established contact with the original builders of the facility. She stated that work to revitalise the plant would begin in the first quarter of next year.
“I would like to give credit to the president, who has committed extensive political will in ensuring that the Ajaokuta Steel Company has been connected with the original builders,” she said, adding that agreements had been signed to facilitate the project’s revival.
The senator highlighted the potential impact of local steel production on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, noting that rigs used for deep-water operations, which can cost up to $25 million, are primarily made of steel.
Local manufacturing of these rigs, she said, would reduce costs and create jobs.
