- NNPC to Deliver Gas Projects by 2020
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will deliver its seven critical gas development projects(7CGDP) by 2020. This would ease gas supply to the power plants across the country.
It said the projects were designed to leverage the immense gas potential in the country, and further help in meeting the target of generating at least 15,000 megawatts (Mw) of electricit, by 2020
Its Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Ndu Ughamadu, said the corporation is relying on the projects to generate 50,000Mw by 2020, in order to improve the supply of electricity in Nigeria.
In a telephone interview, he said NNPC is working to nurture the projects to fruition by 2020.
He said when this happens, the country would be able to transport gas to power plants seamlessly and boost power supply.
NNPC, he said, is working in line with the mandate given to it by the Federal Government to deliver the projects by 2020 and further boost power supply in the country.
According to him, the government has directed NNPC to complete the gas projects, adding that when this happens, thermal plants would not have difficulties accessing gas optimally for growth.
He said gas remained the only feedstock used in generating 70 per cent of electricity consumed in the country and that NNPC is not leaving any stone unturned to maximise its potentials.
To make the projects come to fruition by 2020, the state oil firm is constantly holding meetings on the issue, in order to ascertain the level of developments on the project.
He said NNPC has fixed next week for a meeting with the stakeholders. It has also directed the Project Management Office (PMO) to discuss with the operators of the project on their problems, needs among other things, that would help in bringing the project to fruition.
PMO is a department charged with the responsibility of accesing the status of the seven critical gas development projects, among other initiatives spearheaded by the corporation.
Ughamadu said:” Two issues are vital to the success of the projects, and NNPC has taken care of them. First is the issue of engagement with the operators of the project, and NNPC has directed the Project Management Office to carry out such roles.
“Frankly speaking, the level of engagement between NNPC and other key stakeholders on the issue is very high. The aim is to know the status of the projects, challenges facing the projects and the institutions/facilities that would help in improving the operation of the projects. These can be referred to as enablers that are critical to the growth of the project.
Ughamadu said the oil firm has fixed December 10, this year for a Steering Committee Meeting on the projects.
He said the 2020 deadline set aside for the implementation of the seven critical gas development projects is sancrosant, adding that NNPC has concluded plans to meet the deadline.
NNPC had put in place measures to ensure effective utilisation and commercialisation of gas in the country.This made the corporation to invest in the seven critical gas development projects in the country.
NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru said the corporation is keen on using some of the new projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project to open up not only the gas corridor, but to also ensure that power plants that are built can inject stability into the national grid.
