Victor EzejaTen companies have signed agreements with the Nigerian government to build gas processing facilities and other gas supply infrastructure.
The joint venture investment agreements were signed in Abuja between the Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure Fund (MDIF) and the 10 gas infrastructure promoters.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Federal Government released over ₦165 billion in equity investments to the 10 midstream and downstream gas companies under the MDGIF.
The agreements include the Joint Venture and Operating Agreement, the Joint Venture Equity Agreement, and the Joint Venture Accounts Agreement.
Among the firms involved in the transactions are LNG Arete, Waterdance International Concepts, Sub Sea 9 Gas, and Ant Energy Limited.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), stated during the ceremony that the agreements were a component of the government’s efforts to unlock the gas sector’s full potential.
According to Ekpo, the agreements demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting growth, improving energy security, and creating a resilient economy for future generations, in addition to bringing national priorities into line with realistic action.
He revealed that the funds will go directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), vetted by the MDGIF, “to ensure strict compliance with standards and timelines.
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“Our goal is clear: accelerate gas infrastructure development and deliver tangible economic benefits across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and more.”
The minister disclosed that the MDGIF supported six companies within the midstream and downstream space in the first year of the current administration. Ekpo said the efforts are geared towards promoting innovation and efficiency in the processing, distribution, and utilization of natural gas.
According to him, “This Fund, and the partnerships it fosters, will pave the way for integrated gas infrastructure, bridging gaps that have long hindered progress.
“These advancements will not only connect regions but also create a ripple effect of opportunities across industries. From agriculture to manufacturing, and even digital innovation, the impact of a robust gas sector reverberates far beyond energy,” he added.
On his part, Mr. Oluwole Adama, Executive Director, MDIF, highlighted the projects covered by the agreements. He listed three compressed natural gas refueling facilities to increase domestic use of natural gas for mobility and other industrial uses; one bulk liquefied petroleum gas storage infrastructure to reduce supply chain constraints; and six gas processing plants to produce marketable natural gas in liquefied or other forms to increase in-country supply capacity.
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Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Thursday announced the commencement of Project CNG Sprout, which calls for the construction of CNG conversion and refueling facilities in 20 campuses nationwide.
At the project’s launch in Abuja, Ekperikpe Ekpo stated that the government was working to give university employees and students access to more affordable forms of transportation.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
