By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reinforced its commitment to strategic investments in Nigeria’s gas sector with its participation in the Utorogu 200 million standard cubic feet per day gas processing plant in Delta State.
Representing the Board’s Secretary, Felix Ogbe, the Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmaleek Halilu, said the investment aligns with the Board’s mandate to promote in-country value addition and develop indigenous capacity.
Halilu explained that the facility would process wet gas into valuable products while strengthening Nigeria’s domestic gas supply chain.
He said, “The 200 MMSCFD gas processing facility to be developed here is designed to process wet gas from the OML 34 field, remove impurities, and produce valuable products including Liquefied Petroleum Gas, propane and condensate, while also supplying lean gas into the domestic pipeline network.
“Upon completion, the plant is expected to produce approximately 123,000 metric tonnes of LPG per annum. This will significantly improve domestic cooking gas availability and reduce reliance on LPG importation.”
He added that the project would also deliver propane and condensate, boosting value extraction and strengthening the midstream sector.
Halilu said, “Beyond LPG production, the project will also deliver about 22,000 metric tonnes of propane and 72,000 metric tonnes of condensate annually, thereby improving value extraction from Nigeria’s gas resources and strengthening the midstream value chain.”
He further noted that the investment would generate jobs, create business opportunities and drive infrastructure development within host communities.
He said, “The economic impact of this project will be substantial. It is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities, while also creating business opportunities in logistics, fabrication, operations, maintenance, and other support services.”
Earlier, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Assistant Chief Petroleum Engineer, Raphael Chindah, said the project would support Nigeria’s transition to a gas-powered economy.
He noted that it would boost industrial productivity and improve energy security.
He said, “By increasing the availability of processed gas for the domestic market, this project will support power generation, boost manufacturing productivity, and enhance Nigeria’s overall energy security.”
The Chairman of Southfield Petroleum Limited, Patrick Ndiomu, described the project as a strategic investment that would strengthen domestic gas supply and position Nigeria as a leading gas hub in Africa.
He said, “The gas plant will stimulate economic activities within Delta State and beyond and deliver sustainable and inclusive benefits to our host communities.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) commended the investment, describing it as bold and transformative for Nigeria’s energy sector.
He said, “We also need more companies with bold ideas like Southfield to solve our energy problems… we encourage other Nigerian energy companies to also leverage on the opportunities that NCDMB has to partner with initiatives with bold and progressive projects that will benefit our own people.”
In their remarks, the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, Matthew Ediri Egbi Owahwa II, and the President-General of Iwherekan community, Ufuoma Omoberayen, commended the initiative and reaffirmed community support.
Owahwa said, “I am excited that it is happening in my kingdom,” while Omoberayen added, “We always welcome companies to come and invest… none have regretted investing here.”
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