From:Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has expressed excitement as he inaugurated the first-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) facility in Nigeria with a daily capacity of 20,000 tonnes for distribution across the country.
Inaugurating the LCNG facility in the Kakau area, along the Kaduna/Abuja highway on Tuesday, Governor Sani who was represented by the State Commissioner of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Hamza, said he was delighted to be part of the historic event, adding that the gas will go a long way to reduce socio-economic hardship caused by fuel price hikes and currency fluctuations in the global market.
The project is spearheaded by Greenville LNG and has 20,000 metric tonnes capacity to be distributed across the country from Kaduna as the pivotal station, even with 25 hubs.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GreenVille LNG, Mr. Eddy Van Den Broeke said the mission of the company extended beyond addressing fuel shortages, adding that it encompasses contributing to a greener and more sustainable Nigeria. “As we inaugurate this Kakau station, we also unlock investment opportunities for local businesses in Kaduna State’s industrial and automotive gas sectors”. Broeke said.
However, according to Governor Sani, “I am delighted to be part of this historic launch of the first Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas (L-CNG) station in Kakau, Kaduna State by Greenville LNG. I congratulate you on this milestone. Since your establishment in 2013, you have been revolutionizing the way Nigerians access and utilize energy resources.
“In a time marked by volatile fuel prices and currency fluctuations in the global market, Greenville LNG presents a robust solution in the form of LCNG. This change is not only embraced but enthusiastically welcomed in Kaduna State. It promises to bring not only economic growth but also the revival of various Kaduna-based industries, including textiles, machinery, steel, and aluminum, as well as the automotive and oil and gas sectors.
“The provision of a stable power source through the L-CNG gas hub is of paramount importance for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses and industries. The development of these hubs will also help in addressing Kaduna State’s pressing need for energy security.
“The transportation sector will benefit a great lot from the introduction of L-CNG. A significant number of keke riders ply the roads of Kaduna daily. For these riders, LCNG represents a cost-effective alternative to high-priced PMS, offering financial relief and reduced stress. Additionally, it promotes ecological peace, as CNG is renowned for its eco-friendliness and emission of less harmful pollutants, ensuring the safety of both our citizens and the environment.
“Our administration is committed to making Kaduna a business hub. Our energy needs are enormous. The Greenville Initiative will re-energize the business environment and provide employment opportunities for Kaduna residents. Energy is a major driver of business. With energy, small businesses will spring to life again. Youths would not only be employed in numbers, but they would also have the opportunity to create and innovate. We, therefore, request Greenville LNG to kindly consider providing more gas hubs in Kaduna.
“The Kaduna State Government eagerly anticipates the positive impact that this groundbreaking initiative will bring to our State and the nation as a whole. We shall give Greenville LNG all the support it requires to make this initiative a resounding success”.
