By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has promised to increase investments in the gas-to-power sector value chain in order to bring about improved access to electricity across the country.
The Minister stated this on Wednesday during his maiden meeting with staff of the ministry. The meeting was jointly held with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in Abuja.
Ekpo said that his Ministry would work towards attracting investments into the gas sector in order to unlock its full potential for national development, adding that his vision was to grow gas supply to thermal plants so as to improve electricity generation to consumers in Nigeria.
He lamented that among the top 20 gas-producing nations in the world, utilization in Nigeria is the least, hence the need for increased investments in the industry. The minister also assured of greater investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) infrastructure in order to deepen penetration among Nigerians.
According to him, the gas sector holds great opportunities for the resuscitation of the economy, and both existing and prospective investors can be assured of a conducive environment to do business in the gas industry.
In his own words, “today we talk about insecurity, unemployment, and even food security, but I believe that this ministry is critical to the growth of our economy.
“We need to grow gas supplies to our power plants so that there is improved electricity generation and supply to assist in job creation to our youths.”
Ekpo tasked workers with the need for commitment and dedication in order to meet the expectations of Nigerians from the gas industry.