FG Launches Gas Revolutions Plan, Thursday

President Goodluck Jonathan would on Thursday in Abuja formally launch the Federal Government’s gas revolution plan in the bid to fast-track the industrialisation of the country.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, announced this in Abuja at a news conference , yesterday.

She said the government would be investing close to two billion dollars on the gas pipeline network in a bid to accelerate industrialisation across the country.

Alison-Madueke said the industrial investment agenda would comprise a world class petrochemical plant, two world class fertiliser plants, five fertiliser blending plants, a methanol plant and an LPG distribution plan.

She explained that the fertliser plants would help develop the agricultural sector and the food processing industries as well as ensure food security and create job opportunities for the citizenry.

“The creation of over 500,000 jobs is estimated from this agriculture-related agenda as well as an attendant increase in the nation’s GDP,’’ Alison-Maueke said.

“Mr President has a strong vision and passion to re-industrialise Nigeria, using the vast natural resources that the country is richly endowed with,’’ Alison-Madueke said.

According to her, the government’s plan will make Nigeria an undisputed regional hub for gas-based industries.

The minister said Jonathan believed that the nation’s vast resource potential qualifies her to be a world class player in the global gas business.

She said the country could now boast of a net surplus in gas availability relative to the power sector requirements.

“We have about 150mmcf/d surplus supply potential currently which can very quickly add about 500mw to the current generating capacity on the national grid,’’ she added.

Alison-Madueke said that to achieve the Vision 20:2020, the government planned to have 2.5 billion cubic feet of gas supply specifically for the power sector and 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2020.

Senate President, David Mark (middle), acknowledging cheers from his supporters during a campaign in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, recently.