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‘Under Investment, Others Threaten FG’s Gas Expansion Target’
Despite post-COVID recovery in the oil and gas sector, indications have emerged that historical under-investment along with tightening monetary policies, high inflation, amongst others pose a major setback to the Federal Government gas expansion target.
This is coming even as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MeleKyari, stated that the company would partner with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and all relevant domestic and international stakeholders to enhance the supply, delivery and utilization of gas in the country.
Speaking at the opening session of the 11th Practical Nigerian Content Forum, with the theme, “Deepening Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Decade of Gas,” Kyari maintained that the NNPC Ltd would leverage on the provisions of policies/regulations, technological breakthroughs, innovative financial mechanisms and other key initiatives such as the National Gas Expansion Programme to make the energy sector resilient.
He said: “The global energy sector has, to a large extent, recovered from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, only to be challenged by historical under-investment, tightening of monetary policies, high inflation, geopolitical tension and security issues, among others, resulting in high and volatile energy prices, and uneven and often low energy supply and demand.
“Energy poverty and security which, hitherto, was a regional and under-developed countries concerns, has now become a global concern, with countries developing all sorts of approaches and innovations to remain energy resilient.
“International Agendas/Frameworks, including the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and successive Conference of Parties have continue to recognise the role of natural gas as a fuel of choice for sustainable development and for smooth energy transition to a low carbon future.
“This has created the much-needed opportunity to power the global economy in a sustainable manner using clean fuels to address global energy related challenges and create value for businesses and the society.
“In line with this and with over 200 TCF of proven gas reserves and a potential of growing to 600TCF, the Federal government declared 2021-2030 as the decade of gas towards a gas-powered economy with natural gas used as direct source of energy and its derivative, such as LPG and CNG, for clean cooking and driving.
“Utilising our upstream gas assets, and key gas pipeline infrastructure (ELPS, Oben – Ajaokuta/Geregu, the vast eastern network covering Alakiri-Obigbo, IkotAbasi and Imo River, and the Gas Transmission Systems (GTS 1-5) to NLNG, NNPCL and its shareholders produce gas in excess of 6 Bscf/d and deliver to the domestic, regional (WAGP) and international gas/LNG markets, thus building in-country capacity and value to shareholders as well as earning foreign revenue.
“Today, the NNPC JV power plants (450 MW Okpai I and 650 MW Afam VI) continue to be key sources of power generation to the country and more power plant projects are being progressed.
“To further deepen gas utilization, we are exploiting more gas resources, including in the frontier basins, deploying/constructing more gas infrastructure & facilities e.g., 2 Bscfd OB3, 2.2 Bscfd AKK, Ibadan-Ilorin-Jebba Pipeline (EIIJ), Qua Iboe-Obigbo-OB3, Obigbo – Umuahia – Ajaokuta (OUA) pipelines and ANOH Gas Processing Plant, etc.,) and utilization points (AKK Power Plants, MEPP, petrochemical plants, , retail CNG refuelling stations, etc. thus integrating gas supply sources with the demand centres across the country
“We are also complementing these gas penetration projects with several renewable energy and emission reduction projects to enhance the sustainability of the energy sector.
“Furthermore, we are embarking on LPG Penetration Scheme through the establishment of Micro Distribution Centres (MDCs) across the country to deepen LPG consumption for clean cooking (stop the detrimental in-door air pollution and deforestation) while creating opportunities for fabrication of LPG/CNG/LNG tanks, gas stoves, cylinders, etc.
“This is underpinned via enhanced LPG production NEPL’s IGHF, NLNG, expansion of terminals and LPG trucking capacity.”
Kyari said all these expansions and investments have created opportunities for Nigerian content, noting that the NNPC is encouraging organizations to identify the relevant areas in which they can participate in.
“I am very pleased of the rapid growth of our local capacity, and we will continue to collaborate with NCDMB and other stakeholders to propel our local talents to achieve their full potential and compete favourably, domestic and internationally.
“We would continue to deepen our Gas Cooperation strategy with all relevant domestic and international stakeholders to enhance gas supply, delivery and utilization while leveraging on the provisions of policies/regulations, technological breakthroughs (e.g., Carbon capture, utilization and storage-CCUS to lower GHG emissions), innovative financial mechanisms and other key initiatives such as the National Gas Expansion Programme to make the energy sector resilient.
“It is my believe this would create value for our business and shareholders and make natural gas not only a transition fuel but a destination fuel of choice,” he added.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene