Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has promised to make efforts to bring investments into the gas sector in order to maximize its potential for fostering national growth.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and he made this statement during the first meeting with ministry personnel in Abuja.
He stated that his goal is to increase gas supplies to thermal plants so that the nation’s consumers can produce more energy.
He emphasized that Nigeria has the lowest gas use among the top 20 gas-producing countries in the world, necessitating additional investment in the sector.
In order to increase penetration among Nigerians, he also pledged increased investments in infrastructure for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
He emphasized to workers the importance of commitment and attention in order to meet Nigerians’ expectations of the gas business and claimed that the gas sector offered significant potential for the revival of the economy.
“Today we talk about insecurity, unemployment and even food security, but I believe that this ministry is critical to the growth of our economy. We need to grow gas supplies to our power plants so that there is improved electricity generation and supply to assist in job creation for our youths,” he stated.
Ekpo guaranteed a favorable climate for business in the gas industry to both current and potential investors.
Gabriel Aduda, the ministry’s permanent secretary, begged the minister to take action to address the pay gap between ministry employees and those in the private sector.
He demanded that the minister help workers take advantage of petroleum service allowances, claiming that the ministry was equipped with high-caliber and experienced staff that could match or surpass that of operators in the industry.
