FOR the first time, the Lagos Free Trade has attracted multi million dollar gas distribution project.
This project is to make natural gas readily available to industries within the Lagos Free Zone and the metropolis in order to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
This was disclosed during the ground-breaking ceremony of Optimera Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution Project within the Lagos Free Zone.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony of the project, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future in Nigeria.
While congratulating Optimera Energy for its visionary approach and commitment to advancing the nation’s energy landscape, Ekpo said the development of a 25 million standard cubic feet per day City Gate Station, scalable to 100 million standard cubic feet per day, along with the necessary ancillary infrastructure, has reflected not only the company ‘s dedication but also a shared vision for a thriving and resilient Nigeria.
He described natural gas as a critical component of the nation ‘s energy mix, offering cleaner and more efficient solutions.
He said the infrastructure being launched was not just about pipes and stations; but about powering communities, industries and dreams.
“It is about creating a foundation for economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.
“It is about making Nigeria an economic giant within the subregion using our abundant gas resources.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember the collective responsibility we bear towards shaping a brighter future for our nation,” the minister said.
According to the minister, the collaboration between the public and private sector is essential in achieving the nation’s energy security goals, noting that the ceremony exemplifies the power of such partnerships.
He urged all stakeholders present to continue fostering the spirit of innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector.
“Let us work together to ensure that this infrastructure serves as a catalyst for progress, bringing about positive change for generations to come
He commended Optimera Energy for its dedication to delivering the project, while inviting everyone to join hands with the Federal Government to achieve its target for the Gas-For-Growth-Initiative.
“Together, let us build a legacy that propels Nigeria to become the subregion’s gas processing and industrial hub,” he said.
The Managing Director, Optimera Energy LFZE, Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, said the project, which will be completed in fourth quarter of this year, is set to usher in a transformative chapter in the energy narrative of Nigeria.
According to her, the momentous event not only aligned perfectly with the firm’s corporate vision but also resonates with the broader aspirations of the nation, in particular, Nigeria’s ambitious Decade of Gas agenda, a visionary initiative that underscores the pivotal role Natural Gas can play in fostering economic growth.
She explained that the company, Optimera Energy LFZE was birthed from a Consortium of expertise in downstream, midstream, and upstream gas development.
“This natural gas distribution project is not just a testament to our corporate prowess and a showcasing of the collective experiences and brand power of our founding partners – NDW Midstream, FHN Gas, and Falcon Corporation; but it is a symbol of our collective dedication to our nation Nigeria’s economic development and re-industrialization.
“For us, this event symbolizes not just the commencement of a project but the inception of a transformative force that will propel our nation further into a future powered by cleaner and more sustainable energy sources,” she said.
By investing in natural gas infrastructure, the managing director said the company was not just building pipelines and facilities, but laying the foundation for a future where the nation’s industries thrive in an environmentally conscious manner.
“We are unwavering in our conviction that for Nigeria, leveraging our gas resources optimally is not just an economic imperative but a key strategic advantage.
“As gas rich as we are, we are sitting squarely on a wide array of opportunities to harness the immense benefits of a Natural Gas-powered economy; a path that will need a high level of collaboration between public and private sector players who see the vision clearly.
“The reason we are gathered here today is only one such opportunity, and one such testament to the power of collaboration. The ripple effects of a thriving natural gas industry will be felt across every sector and sphere of productive activity, positioning Nigeria as a beacon of economic resurgence on the African continent,” she said.
