Axxela to start construction of natural gas pipeline to Ibadan-Ilorin

Axxela Limited, a gas and power portfolio company, has completed and submitted a feasibility study to the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), to build a pipeline network across western and central states of Nigeria.
The network will tee-off from the Ecravos – Lagos gas pipeline system to Ibadan-Ilorin-Jebba (EIIJ) to service the South Western and some parts of North Central region of the country
The study for the project was done by Worley Parsons, the globally renowned US-based consultant agency, supported by counterpart funding from the United States Trade and Development Authority (USTDA).
Saidu Mohammed, group executive director and chief operating officer for gas and Power at NNPC said during the handover ceremony: “This is a project we defined a long time ago and one we wish to implement. Now, it’s key we don’t lose sight of the low-hanging fruits, as we seek to provide gas to the country in keeping with the national plan.”
The proposed pipeline project was conceived as part of the Nigeria Gas Master Plan to improve power generation and distribution to major cities within Nigeria’s South-Western region. The pipeline is expected to commence in Ibadan, Oyo and run through the towns of Osogbo, Ogbomoso, Ilorin, Ado Ekiti and terminate in Jebba located in Kwara.
Also commenting during the submission ceremony, BolajiOsunsanya, Axxela chief executive officer, said: “We appreciate the active participation of all key stakeholders involved in the project, particularly the NNPC. The impetus for power-driven initiatives is underscored by the significance of this project, and its impact and scope are parallel with the Federal Government’s aspirations to improve the power situation. Ultimately, major demand centers will require more electricity to cater to the growing power requirements of industrial and commercial clusters.
Babatunde Bakare, Managing Director, NGPTC, also remarked: “This fits in with our overall vision, and we are aligned with the recommendations put forth. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this project would have on the region.”
Axxela is currently expanding its natural gas pipeline grid in Port Harcourt, as well as in the Greater Lagos area.

 

Olusola Bello