• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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BusinessDay

NNPC moves to boost gas, fuel production

NNPC (1) (1)

Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, says the corporation is fully involved in the development of a Gas Master plan aimed at boosting domestic as well as industrial gas consumption.

Speaking during the NNPC Special Day at the ongoing 30th Enugu International Trade Fair, Baru said,

“Even as it remains the largest gas supplier for power generation nationwide. In order to Bridges the medium term domestic gas supply deficit by 2020 seven critical gas development has also been identified”.

According to the group managing g director the desired outcome of the initiative would boost domestic gas supply from about 1.5 bscf/d to 5bscf/d with a corresponding 500 percent increase in power generation to boost capacity utilization of industries.

“The 7CGDPs are at different stages of development with Assa North-Ohaji South (ANOH) project ahead of others,” he said.
He further expressed hope that the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries at Port-Harcourt, Kaduna and Warrior would greatly reduce petroleum products import in the country.

Baru announced that the revitalisation of the plants has commenced in earnest, starting with the 210, 000 barrel per stream-day Port-Harcourt refinery, which first phase kicked off last month and being executed by Milan-based Maire Technimont S.P.A, in collaboration with its Nigerian affiliate, Technimont Nigeria.

He said that rehabilitation of the refineries would include substantial reduction in petroleum products imports, with its attendant toll on forex.

The NNPC GMD said all nooks and crannies of the country were kept wet with petroleum products by the corporation, adding that no fewer than 55 depots across the country are fully stocked with petroleum products, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMC) otherwise called petrol.

He however regretted that despite efforts to stem pipeline vandalism, the malaise was yet to abate, saying, “In December last year alone, 257 pipeline vandalised points were recorded.”

Earlier, the President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Emeka Udeze, urged NNPC to take steps to address the issues and to remove the cobweb of shenanigans that have negatively affected the operations of the downstream sector of the oil industry.

“Non the less, may quickly commend the corporation, for the near stability in the supply of petroleum products, we have had in the last few years hoping this would be sustained,” he said.

The ECCIMA president appreciated NNPC for regular participation in the fair, noting, “Your presence in our Fairs has always provided unique and onerous opportunity for closer interactions with greater number of the public for better understanding of your activities and operations.”