The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, has reiterated the essential role of natural gas in powering economic growth and fostering industrial development.
Kyari made these remarks on Wednesday during the public presentation of the book titled ‘The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas’, authored by Charles Osezua.
The GCEO underscored the global recognition of gas as a vital energy source crucial for sustaining economic growth and propelling industrial activities.
Represented by the company’s Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, Kyari also stressed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s gas sector.
He emphasized the necessity of prioritizing natural gas production and supply, particularly considering geopolitical dynamics and energy security in the global economy.
“With Nigeria boasting substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet and a potential to reach 600 tcf, the GCEO said it is pertinent Nigeria leverages the gas resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation,” a statement by the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said on Wednesday.
Kyari noted that the book is in line with the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, which aims to optimize Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves for both domestic usage and international export.
The NNPCL chief further stated that as a key stakeholder, the energy firm has been at the forefront of advancing the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure like pipelines and processing facilities.
The author, Osezua, described the unveiling of the book as his significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy literature and expressed gratitude to NNPCL for its support in launching the book.
Osezua highlighted that NNPCL’s involvement in the event emphasizes the company’s dedication to promoting knowledge exchange and innovation within the gas sector.
Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPCL, Afolabi Oladele, commended the book for its comprehensive insights into the gas value chain, emphasizing its relevance to policymakers amidst the global energy transition.
Nigeria has embraced gas as its transitional fuel, with President Bola Tinubu aiming to make compressed natural gas available to all Nigerians as an alternative to petrol.