By Ayomide Otitoju
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on Tuesday commissioned the first-ever Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) hub in Nigeria’s North-East, marking a major milestone in the federal government’s Decade of Gas initiative.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Yola, Adamawa State, Ekpo described the project, developed by Greenville LNG, as a symbol of the transformative power of public-private partnerships in expanding access to clean energy and driving national development.
“This facility in Yola marks a significant turning point. It is a beacon of hope and opportunity, not only for Adamawa State but for the entire region,” Ekpo said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah. “It demonstrates that the benefits of Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources can and must reach every corner of our country.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of siting the LCNG hub in the North-East, a region long plagued by infrastructural deficits and underinvestment. According to the minister, the LCNG model offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels by providing an integrated solution for powering vehicles and industrial machinery with both liquefied and compressed natural gas.
“This project highlights the federal government’s unwavering commitment to economic growth through gas adoption. It sets a new benchmark for energy accessibility and sustainability,” Ekpo added. “Beyond delivering energy, it is creating jobs, enabling businesses, and fostering peace through inclusive development.”
He further reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s natural gas reserves as a catalyst for industrialization, energy security, and social progress. Ekpo called on more private investors and gas developers to key into the LCNG initiative to expand its benefits to other underserved communities across the country.
The minister also extended appreciation to the government and people of Adamawa State for their support in facilitating the project through land provision and a conducive construction environment.
In his remarks, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, lauded the federal government’s initiative, noting its alignment with the state’s vision for cleaner and affordable energy. He stressed the urgency of transitioning to cleaner fuels in light of the real and pressing impacts of climate change witnessed in the region.
“We will need more of the federal government’s intervention, and we will do our best to ensure the project succeeds,” Farauta assured.
Chairman of Greenville LNG, Eddy Broeke, revealed that the company is investing over $1 billion in Nigeria and intends to replicate similar LCNG projects in other states. He appealed to government authorities to continue providing the necessary support to bring those plans to fruition.
