The CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, emphasized the vital role of natural gas in driving economic growth and industrial development during a recent event. Speaking at the launch of the book ‘The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas’ by Charles Osezua, Kyari highlighted the global significance of gas as a key energy source that fuels economic progress and industrial activities.
Kyari, represented by Mrs Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, the company’s Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management, stressed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s gas sector. He emphasized the need to prioritize natural gas production and supply, especially considering geopolitical dynamics and energy security on a global scale.
With Nigeria’s substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet and the potential to reach 600 tcf, Kyari emphasized the importance of leveraging this valuable resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation. The ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative by the Federal Government aligns with this goal, aiming to optimize Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves for domestic use and international export.
As a key stakeholder, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been actively involved in advancing the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure like pipelines and processing facilities. Author Charles Osezua expressed his gratitude to the company for its support in launching the book, describing it as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy literature.
Chairman of the Impact Investors Foundation and former Group Executive Director of NNPCL, Afolabi Oladele, commended the book for its comprehensive insights into the gas value chain. He noted its relevance to policymakers amidst the ongoing global energy transition. Nigeria’s shift towards using gas as a transition fuel, with the aim of making compressed natural gas widely available to all citizens, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.
