The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has officially commenced the construction of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, as part of its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s domestic gas utilisation and driving the country’s gas revolution.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, was led by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. He emphasised that the strategic location of Ajaokuta was chosen due to its proximity to the company’s existing gas pipeline network, ensuring seamless connectivity to the major infrastructure projects currently underway.
Kyari reiterated that President Bola Tinubu has identified gas as a key driver of Nigeria’s energy transformation, adding that the new mini LNG plants would provide access to cheaper fuel, support industrialisation, and create employment opportunities.
“The auto CNG [Compressed Natural Gas] initiative cannot succeed without access to gas, and that is why this facility is a crucial step in ensuring affordable fuel for Nigerians. Mr. President has been at the forefront of the gas revolution, and these projects are a direct response to his commitment to making cheap fuel available to Nigerians,” Kyari stated.
He further assured that the NNPCL remains committed to delivering other critical gas infrastructure projects, reinforcing the nation’s energy security. On project timelines, he hinted at a surprise completion date, stating, “We don’t want to give you dates, as usual, but we will deliver them sooner than expected.”
Ajaokuta: A Growing Gas Hub
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, highlighted that Ajaokuta is rapidly becoming a hub for major gas infrastructure projects. These include CNG refuelling stations and several LNG plants, driven by government policies such as the Decade of Gas Initiative, the Presidential CNG Initiative, and various executive orders promoting gas development.
He noted that with gas being positioned as Nigeria’s transition fuel, increasing domestic utilisation would enhance energy security, create jobs, boost tax revenues, and reduce environmental footprints.
The five mini LNG plants being developed are:
- Prime LNG
- NGML/Gasnexus LNG
- BUA LNG
- Highland LNG
- LNG Arete

Ahmed assured that the NMDPRA would continue to provide regulatory support while ensuring safety, ethical practices, and compliance with technical and commercial regulations in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream sectors.
Also, With these projects, Nigeria moves closer to achieving its goal of a robust and diversified gas market, strengthening the nation’s energy future.
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