By Saminu Ibrahim
The House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources has applauded the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for its achievements in the areas of gas infrastructure development, gas supply obligations for the domestic market and the NLNG Train 7 Project.
A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru, on Saturday and made available to SINL Nigeria quoted the Chairman House Committee on Gas Resources, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, as saying during an oversight visit to the NNPC Towers, Abuja, that the committee was pleased with the ongoing drive by the Corporation to promote the use of gas as a cheaper and cleaner form of energy.
“It is a step in the right direction. Indeed, gas resources have come to take the pride of place in our national development agenda, and given the quantum of proven gas reserves in the country, we can rightly declare that Nigeria is more of a gas country,” Hon. Mutu stated.
He said the Committee was satisfied with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill 2020 on gas resources development, particularly Section 52 which provides for the establishment of a Midstream Gas Infrastructure Fund.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the Management of NNPC in developing the gas sector, and we commend them on the existing projects. The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline that was recently launched by Mr. President is an exhibition of total commitment by the NNPC” he said.
In his welcome address to the visiting legislators, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, expressed gratitude to the Committee for its continued support to the Corporation.
The GMD, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power, Engr. Yusuf Usman, said NNPC will continue to engage and seek further support for approvals of budgets appropriated for critical Gas Infrastructure Projects as well as the speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2020 which is currently before the National Assembly.
He reiterated NNPC’s commitment to the provision of alternative fuels for Nigerians through the deployment of LPG and CNG skids at filling stations for automobiles.
“This will give Nigerians more opportunity to enjoy cheaper fuels for their vehicles as well as reduce carbon emission footprints in line with the global environmental aspirations,” he said.
