By YANGE IKYAA
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said that the authority is ready to partner with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) towards solving Nigeria’s energy challenges and increasing gas use in cooking, transportation and power generation.
Ahmed said this on Monday in Abuja when he received the management of the NLNG on a courtesy visit to his office. He also commended the NLNG for its focus in prioritizing domestic gas supply and achieving a significant impact on deepening gas consumption in the country.
The NMDPRA helmsman reiterated the Federal Government’s goal of deepening LPG/CNG, especially for Autogas as an alternative to premium motor spirit (PMS) in order to cushion the effect in situations of upward spike in oil prices.
In addition, the Authority Chief Executive gave his assurance that the authority, as the regulator of the midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas sector, will put in place polices that will not stifle business but rather level the playing field and stimulate economic growth and job creation in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director, NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said the company will continue to prioritize the growth of the domestic LPG market and increase utilization by supplying 100% of its Propane and Butane production.
Mshelbila also revealed his company’s ongoing plans to commence operation for the Nigerian domestic LNG market this year, in line with the government’s plans to boost local consumption.
He further explained that the move was part of NLNG’s dedication to participate in industrializing Nigeria by providing efficient energy, in line with the Federal Government’s developmental initiatives and as one of the two focus areas of the company. Their other area of focus of NLNG is to remain globally competitive.
Mshelbila pledged the company’s dedication and commitment to making Nigeria an energy-sufficient nation.