The Federal Government has inaugurated Nigeria’s first Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) facility in the North-East, marking a significant step in the country’s drive toward cleaner, more inclusive energy access.
Located in Yola, Adamawa State, the facility was developed by Greenville LNG and commissioned on Tuesday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. The project is positioned as a strategic gas distribution hub, converting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for use in homes, industries, and transportation.
Speaking at the event, Ekpo hailed the project as a landmark achievement under the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, describing it as a “symbol of energy equity” and a pivotal step toward democratizing access to clean energy.
“The strategic location of this facility in the Northeast also carries deep significance,” Ekpo said. “For far too long, this region has faced infrastructural challenges that have limited its full economic potential. But this LCNG plant marks a turning point.”
He described the project as more than a gas plant, calling it “a beacon of hope, a driver of opportunity, and a powerful reminder that the benefits of Nigeria’s vast gas resources must reach every corner of the country.”
A Model for Clean Energy Expansion
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, the minister praised the project as an example of effective public-private sector collaboration, adding that President Bola Tinubu has positioned gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
Ekpo emphasized that the LCNG model offers a cleaner, cheaper, and more accessible alternative to petrol and diesel, especially for powering vehicles and industrial equipment.
“By leveraging advanced technology and innovative delivery models like this LCNG facility, we are not just delivering energy. We are delivering jobs, empowering communities, and building peace through inclusive development,” he said.
He also urged other investors to replicate the model in other underserved parts of the country, noting that demand for cleaner energy is growing rapidly, particularly in transportation and manufacturing sectors.
Local Support and Environmental Impact
Speaking on behalf of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Deputy Governor Kaletapwa G. Farauta commended the federal government’s commitment to sustainable energy and climate resilience.
“We are already feeling the harsh impacts of climate change in our communities,” she said. “This project reinforces our environmental policies and supports our goal of providing cleaner, healthier air for our citizens.”
She also called for continued federal intervention in infrastructure, pledging that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure the plant’s long-term success.
Private Sector Commitment: $1 Billion Investment in Gas Projects
Chairman of Greenville LNG, Eddy Broeke, announced that the company is investing over $1 billion in gas infrastructure projects across Nigeria, with similar LCNG hubs set to be launched in other regions soon.
He appealed for continued government support, both at federal and state levels, to enable rapid deployment of gas infrastructure across the country.
“Greenville remains committed to investing in Nigeria’s energy future,” Broeke said. “This LCNG plant is just the beginning.”
