FG backs local firms to boost LPG access via Bonny-Bodo Road

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — As part of a strategic push to improve access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has held high-level meetings with executives of Nigeria LNG Limited, NNPC Limited, and indigenous gas companies investing in domestic LPG infrastructure.

The meetings, which took place in Abuja brought together top executives including the Executive Vice President of Gas and New Energy at NNPC Ltd., Mr. Lekan Ogunleye; Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila; Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Olakunle Osobu; Managing Director of WAGL Energy Ltd, Mohammed Sani Bello; and Managing Director of Nexaspring Gas Ltd, Mr. Bowale Jolaso.

At the heart of the discussions was the plan by WAGL Energy Limited and Nexaspring Gas Ltd to invest in LPG storage and supply terminals near the NLNG plant in Bonny, Rivers State.

The firms aim to leverage the upcoming Bonny-Bodo Road, spearheaded by NLNG, to distribute LPG into the domestic market more efficiently.

The Minister emphasized that government support for such investments is crucial for ensuring energy affordability for Nigerians and delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s gas-centered development strategy.

Ekpo said, “These initiatives align squarely with Mr. President’s ‘From Gas to Prosperity: Renewed Hope Agenda.’ LPG must be accessible and affordable for every Nigerian household, and partnerships like this are how we get there,” Ekpo said.

He called on NLNG and NNPC Ltd. to actively collaborate with the indigenous firms to enable timely delivery and operational success of the storage and distribution projects.

“You must work with these local partners. Their success is your success, and ultimately the country’s success,” the Minister added.

The Bonny-based facilities will allow the companies to receive LPG cargoes directly from NLNG, reducing transportation bottlenecks and easing entry into the domestic value chain. The nearly completed Bonny-Bodo Road will further enhance logistics and reduce distribution costs.

WAGL and Nexaspring Gas, during the meeting, presented outlines of their proposed projects and reaffirmed their commitment to building critical infrastructure that will help close Nigeria’s LPG supply gap and lower market prices.

In his remarks, NLNG Managing Director Dr. Philip Mshelbila noted that “NLNG is committed to deepening domestic LPG penetration. We are already a major supplier, but we are ready to do more in collaboration with the private sector.”

NNPC’s EVP, Gas and New Energy, Mr. Lekan Ogunleye, also expressed optimism, saying, “This synergy between the government, NLNG, and private investors is exactly what is needed to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential and deliver affordable energy to our people.”