What is being described as a major breakthrough for Nigerian engineers and companies took place last week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facility belonging to Stockgap Fuels Limited was commissioned by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) at Rumuelumeni area of the Garden City.
The NLNG top managers described it as a transition to domestic gas market revolution; the Rivers State government described it as stamp that Port Harcourt is safe for investments going the shear size of the investment; and the company that built it, Caska Engineering, described it as stamp on the ability of Nigerian engineers and companies to start and finish a huge project in oil and gas, including funding.
The CEO of Caska Engineering, Phillip Yaro, named two Nigerian engineers he said must be in the hall of fame for the massive breakthrough in the Stopgap gas project as Boni Ladi and Sampson oladipo.
He said: “What has happened here today is a big deal for Nigeria workers who delivered this project, especially because it has been delivered as a safe facility. It is essential to note that what makes this as a breakthrough is for trusting Nigerian companies to deliver this sensitive complex. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) monitored every single detail to a perfect finish.
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“It is number one integrated facility in Nigeria. Another one is coming up in Lagos. This is the best terminal technology in town. Foreign companies jostled to build this and even fund it, but this chairman (Stanley Obiamerije of Stopgap Ltd) trusted Nigerians to do it. Caska Engineering is a Rivers company, and we have worked here for 30 years. The lpg tanks here were built to full guarantee of 30 years.”
The future is gas – Stopgap chairman: Stanley Obiamerije
The future is gas. By this project, we reduce gas emission. The project began in 2013 when we acquired the land here and was completed in 2019.
The impetus to embark upon this came when the FG asked NLNG to dedicate a portion of its gas to domestic use and also to replace existing gas cylinders used in homes.
Key benefits to NLNG include that they can now create access to its gas to Nigerians. This will create massive jobs. And, Rivers State is to become a viable destination of investments. Channel clearing is one of the benefits. We thank the governor for fulfilling his promise to deepen the water channel. Now, lpg is to come to our doorsteps. It is the energy of the future.
Now again, NLNG is global player from Nigeria – Tony Attah
Today is a special day for us at the NLNG, for Rivers State and for Nigeria because this is another remarkable display of being a global player from Nigeria. LPG is a source of cleaner energy. This is domestic gas revolution; it marks the beginning of another 30 years of the NLNG.
This will save foreign exchange (forex) for importation of kerosene and to save lives in smokes. It will create over 10,000 jobs during construction and would attract over $10Bn investment. Nigeria has been riding on the back of oil for 50 years, it is now time to fly on the wings of gas.
Read also: NLNG commissions Stockgap’s LPG distribution point in PH for S/South
PH is a better place to invest – Gov Wike
I simply lack words today. I just marvel at the sheer wonder of this breakthrough here. I salute the investors that have shown the courage to invest here because not many people want to embark on this level of investment.
This has doused my anger when the NLNG celebrated their 30 years anniversary in Abuja instead of in PH, I am happy because of this project (Stockgap Limited) and for making the Train-7 project a reality.
Port Harcourt is a better place to invest. Many people like our gas but do not like our people. Stockgap Limited has done well. The FG has not given their part of the Bonny Road fund, maybe because it is Rivers State.
Bonny Channel? The FG/NPA is only interested in collecting fees but they expect us to dredge the channel. Look, has been killed and you are developing another port in Lagos, because we are Rivers State? I will construct this road to facilitate movement of trucks for gas.
Let’s work to reduce kidnapping I urge the youths to shun kidnapping and work. I see that most of them now prefer kidnapping to working because with one operation, some make N5m. So, what is work to him?
I however urge you to project that is in your area, but the company should give jobs to our people. Give jobs to Nigerian engineers. See this wonder here. I am proud to commission this because of this aspect. We will partner with you (Caska Engineering) to train our boys in welding.
Investors in this project will benefit well. Settling people makes kidnapping thrive. Youths prefer to kidnap than to work. So, stop paying kidnappers. Partner with the state government to achieve best results when there is kidnap of your relation. Leave crime alone. Do not kidnap people, though things are hard. Striving to create jobs and run a successful company makes one grow grey hairs but it is a good one.
