Mr Ekoerikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources-Gas, on Thursday inagurated 300 million mscfd gas capacity in Delta State in order to reduce the rate of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

The 300 MMscfd Kwale gas gathering facility was built by Nedogas Development Company Limited and located at Umusam community near Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ekpo said that the official inauguration of the plant marked not just a turning point for Delta State, but also a major turning point in Nigeria’s continuous quest to use its abundant natural gas resources for the country’s development.

He said, “The result of a strategic collaboration between Nedogas Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board represents a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic expansion.

“It emphasises how dedicated the Federal Government is to increasing gas usage, broadening our energy sources, and lessening our influence on the environment.

“The Kwale Gas Gathering Facility and the Nedogas Plant mark a dramatic improvement in our country’s capacity to extract and use natural gas resources properly.

“We will be able to process natural gas more efficiently at the Nedogas Plant, which will increase both our domestic supply and export potential,” it declared.

He said the establishment promised to significantly boost Nigeria’s economy by generating jobs, fostering industrial expansion, and ensuring energy security.

Also, Sheriff Oborevweri, the Governor of Delta State said the projects would benefit all Nigerians, particularly Deltans.

“Nigeria boasts of a reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas, which represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves, thus making her the ninth among countries with a high concentration of natural gas in the world.

“So, with these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost, especially in the critical area of supply,” he averred.

Mr Emeka Ene, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nedogas Development Company Limited, stressed that KGG Facility, with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day, was a testament to what could be achieved when innovation, determination, and strategic partnerships.