The federal government says it has a target to create 100,000 jobs from the 50,000 metric tonnes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and propane depot.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this while performing the groundbreaking of the 50,000MT LPG and propane depot at the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Onne, Rivers State, being developed by Nesgas.
In a statement, NesGas quoted the minister to have said that the facility will bridge Nigeria’s energy demand, mitigate the environmental impact associated with traditional fossil fuels, create employment opportunities and boost the overall growth of the economy.
Ekpo further said the facility would also help in unlocking Nigeria’s abundant gas potential to support cleaner, more sustainable energy sources and diversify the economy.
“In addition to the immediate environmental advantages, the construction of this depot promises to boost the local economy and provide jobs across the country. Employment opportunities will be created along the entire value chain, from construction to operation, promoting skill development and economic inclusion,” he stated.
He assured investors in the gas sector that the federal government was “aggressively working to establish laws and regulations that will guarantee transparency, draw in more funding and provide an even playing field for all players in the market.”
He said the government was committed to fostering an atmosphere that would support the expansion of the gas industry.
Managing Director, Nesgas, Tunde Banjo, said the mission of the gas firm was to eliminate energy poverty in Africa through investment in the sector.
“As we embark on the groundbreaking of our latest project, the 50,000 metric tonnes LPG Onne depot, we are on a journey towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Africa,” he said.
The event, according to the statement, also witnessed the signing of partnership and collaboration agreement deals between Nesgas and Gas360, Modern West Advisory and Hebron Gas Infrastructure Limited.
