In a recent public presentation that echoed across Nigeria’s energy landscape, Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), passionately emphasized the pivotal role of natural gas in propelling the nation’s economic growth and industrial advancement.
Kyari’s remarks came during the unveiling of the groundbreaking book, “The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas,” penned by Engr. Charles A. Osezua. At the heart of Kyari’s address was the recognition of gas as a cornerstone of global energy, fueling economic expansion and driving industrial activities.
Represented by NNPC Ltd’s Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, Kyari stressed the critical need to document Nigeria’s gas sector, underscoring its strategic importance amidst geopolitical dynamics and the quest for global energy security.
With Nigeria’s substantial gas reserves surpassing 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and the potential to soar to 600 Tcf, Kyari highlighted the imperative of leveraging this abundant resource for sustainable development, energy self-sufficiency, and job creation.
Moreover, Kyari underscored the alignment of the book with the Federal Government’s visionary “Decade of Gas” initiative, aimed at optimizing Nigeria’s gas reserves for both domestic consumption and international export.
Highlighting NNPC Ltd’s pivotal role as a key stakeholder, Kyari emphasized the company’s proactive engagement in advancing the “Decade of Gas” agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure, including pipelines and processing facilities.
In his remarks, Engr. Charles Osezua, the esteemed author, expressed profound gratitude to NNPC Ltd for its unwavering support towards the book launch, affirming the company’s commitment to fostering knowledge sharing and innovation within the gas industry.
Echoing Osezua’s sentiments, Engr. Afolabi Oladele, Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPC, commended the book for its comprehensive insights into the gas value chain, asserting its relevance to policymakers amid the global energy transition.
As the event concluded, it was evident that Nigeria stands at the threshold of a transformative era, where the abundant riches of its natural gas reserves serve as the catalyst for economic prosperity and industrial advancement. With visionary leadership and strategic collaboration, the nation is poised to harness the power of gas, fueling its journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
Babs Adesanya. LV