The Management of the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has allayed fears that the recent decision of
Shell and Chevron Nigeria Limited to withdraw from the Olokola Liquefied
Natural Gas Project, OKLNG, may derail the President Goodluck Jonathan’s Gas
Revolution Agenda launched in March 2011.
In a Press Release released to newsmen
Tumini Green, Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of
the NNPC, the Corporation stated that the Gas Revolution Agenda was not only
intact but has since taken off with significant progress in gas supply for
power generation and industrial usage.
``The Gas Revolution Agenda which is an
integral part of the Gas Master plan cannot be derailed just like that. NNPC can
confirm that the exit of Shell and Chevron will not impact on Mr President’s
Gas Revolution Agenda. In fact, very good progress is being made with domestic
gas supply which has reached the highest level of 1500mmcf/d from about
500mmcf/d about three years ago,’’ Green said.
She noted that over 70 per cent of this
gas is being directed to the Power sector pursuant of the Gas Revolution Agenda.
Green explained that the gas based
industrialization agenda of Mr President planned for Ogidigben in Delta State
has teed-off with site data gathering activities noting that major new heavy
gas based industries such as fertilizer, petrochemicals etc. would come on
board to create the much needed jobs.
``All these are very much under way and
unaffected by the recent exit of Shell and Chevron from OKLNG. Similarly the
Brass LNG project is unaffected by this exit as shareholders of the Brass LNG
are different,’’ the NNPC spokesperson stated.
She noted that in line with the transformation
agenda of the Federal Government, the NNPC is determined to continue to work
with partners and stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria continues to be the
desired location for gas based investments.
``In a changing global gas market, OKLNG
inevitably has suffered a setback as a result of the exit but effort will be
intensified to secure other willing investors. NNPC and the Federal Government
remain committed to this project,’’ she said.
Tumini E. Green
Group General Manager
Group Public Affairs Division
NNPC, Abuja
01/09/13
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