By Adegboyega Segun
The People’s Servant Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to human development in making the planting of five mini LNG plants possible in Kogi State.
His Excellency made this commendation during the groundbreaking ceremony of Prime LNG Plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, today Thursday 30th January 2025.
In his words, “Allow me to first extend my heartfelt gratitude to our fathers, the leaders of our nation, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to human development have made this project a reality.
Mr. President, sir, your dedication to ensuring economic growth, energy, security and environmental sustainability will forever be remembered as a pivotal movement in our nation’s journey, Mr. President is indeed a president that commits a lot of attention to energy needs of our dear nation. Today, we celebrate the launching of five mini-LNG plants, namely; Prime LNG, NGML Gas Nexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG NLK, wiith a combined capacity of 84.5 million standard cubic feet per day, representing a remarkable sum of over $500 million investment. These projects are a bold lead forward in reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy independence, and aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. As a member of a responsible global community, our president is supporting excellent initiatives at ensuring maximum utilization of our energy potentials.”
Governor Ododo highlighted that the establishment of the energy plants would create significant job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and improve critical infrastructure in the communities, adding that it’s a shining example of what could be achieved through collaboration between the Federal Government, Kogi State Government, NNPC Limited, and the valued investors.
Speaking further, the Chief Servant emphasized that the state, forward-thinking approach to governance has reflected in the establishment of the Confluence State University of Science and Technology, Osara and other institutions to create a pool of quality manpower to fit the growing state of industrialization in Kogi State; reassuring the citizenry that his administration is investing in purpose-fitted education to ensure that the people are skilled technically and employably.
He further expressed his joy as the projects align perfectly with the state abd nation vision of leveraging clean energy solutions to drive sustainable development while improving the quality of life for the citizens, noting that they reflect the limitless potential of Kogi State as a hub for industrial economy and transformation.
He reiterated that groundwork to have an airport in Kogi State, would further give the investing companies transportation flexibility to access the location easily, and also promised to step up the security strategy to ensure that both the investments and the investors are safe in the state.
“As the number one marketer of our state, as the most preferred and most endowed investment destination I am pleased to note that the host communities have expressed their readiness to provide peaceful and cooperative environment to ensure the safety and success of these investments. The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with conventional and local security agencies, have implemented robust measures to safeguard these massive investments, ensuring a secure and thriving atmosphere for all stakeholders.The excitement surrounding this project has been massive. The people of Kogi State have welcomed this initiative with enthusiasm, hope, and optimism.
Ajaokuta is a land of promise, not just for Kogi State, but for Nigeria as a whole. This project will not only unlock vast economic opportunities, but also position Nigeria as a nation determined to harness its resources for the betterment of its people.These investments are quite strategic in the sense that they will have an economically important role. We are passionate with the Ajaokuta Steel Company that the administration of Mr. President is working so hard to resuscitate.” Governor Ododo stated.
His Excellency, therefore called on other investors to come to Kogi State, the Confluence of opportunities for investment, as the state is blessed with abundant natural resources and they are opened to genuine and sincere investors, assuring them his determination to remove every bottle-neck and red-light that harmper investments.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari in his remarks elucidated that it’s time for gas revolution in Nigeria as the country is blessed with enormous gas resources, noting that gas can become clear vehicle for bringing growth and prosperity to the country. He urged the communities to give their maximum cooperation as Kogi State and the nation at large would greatly benefit from it.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, in his remarks described the groundbreaking ceremony of Prime LNG Plant in Ajaokuta Steel territory as significant for the Renewed Hope Agender of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in his quest to create a one trillion dollars economy by the year 2030. He therefore enjoined the citizenry to join hands and work together to ensure the successful completion and operation of the mini LNG plant.
The Senate Committee on Gas, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe in remarks stated that the LNG plant was a step in the right direction, imploring that regasification plant should be set up across the country in order to ensure adequate delivery and usage for a common man.
The Senator Representing Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NNPCL and other key stakeholders for such a groundbreaking LNG gas plant in Ajaokuta Steel Company territory, as it would be utilised as they are looking forward towards the speedy revitalisation of the giant company, assuring the stakeholders for hands of friendship and collaboration.
The Non-Executive Board Chairman of NNPCL, Chief Pius Akinyelure, assured the citizenry adequate LNG to the users.
