Natural gas key to economic, industrial development – Kyari

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, has reiterated the role of natural gas in fueling economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.

Kyari, who was speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of the book, “The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas” authored by Charles A. Osezua, highlighted gas’ global acceptance as a crucial energy source that sustains economic growth and drives industrial activities.

In a statement posted on the firm’s official handle (@nnpclimited) on Wednesday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, quoted Kyari as emphasizing the importance of prioritising natural gas production and supply.

“This is especially crucial given the geopolitical dynamics and energy security concerns in the global economy,” he said.

The GCEO, represented by Mrs. Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management at NNPCL., reiterated the significance of documenting Nigeria’s gas sector.

With Nigeria boasting substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and the potential to reach 600 Tcf, Kyari said it is pertinent that Nigeria leverages the gas resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation.

He noted that, “the book aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, aimed at optimising Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves for both domestic consumption and international export.”

Kyari added that, “as a key stakeholder, NNPC Ltd. has played a leading role in advancing the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure such as pipelines and processing facilities.”

In his remarks, the author, Osezua, who described the unveiling of “The Rise of Gas” as his contribution to Nigeria’s energy literature, thanked the NNPCL for its support towards the book launch.

Osezua said NNPCL’s participation at the occasion, “underscores the company’s commitment to fostering knowledge sharing and innovation within the gas industry.”

Similarly, Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPCL, Afolabi Oladele, lauded the book for its “comprehensive insights into the gas value chain, saying it will be relevant to policymakers amid the global energy transition.”