By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State has taken a major step towards becoming Nigeria's emerging energy and industrial hub fol...
Niger State has taken a major step towards becoming Nigeria's emerging energy and industrial hub following the signing of two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to accelerate gas commercialisation, renewable energy development and industrial expansion across the state.
The agreements were signed during the AKK and Energy Business Development Forum held at the Government House, Minna, under the theme: "Accelerating Domestic Gas Utilisation and Driving the CNG Revolution Along the AKK Corridor."
The first agreement, signed between the Niger State Government and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), focuses on the development and implementation of the state's Gas Master Plan, leveraging the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline to stimulate industrialisation, commercial activities and economic growth.
The second Memorandum of Understanding, signed with NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), provides a framework for collaboration in renewable energy, low-carbon solutions and nature-based projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and facilitating energy transition in Niger State.
The agreements were signed on behalf of the Niger State Government by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Mu'azu Nasir, while officials of NGML and NNPC New Energy Limited signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
BAGO: PARTNERSHIP WILL TRANSFORM NIGER STATE
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the agreements as historic milestones that would redefine the economic future of Niger State and position it as a leading industrial destination in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to him, the Gas Master Plan will unlock enormous opportunities for agro-allied industries, fertiliser manufacturing, hydrocarbon processing and other energy-dependent businesses while complementing the state's existing hydroelectric and solar energy resources.
He noted that the partnership would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, expand industrial activities and significantly increase the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Governor Bago also announced that the entire corridor along the AKK Gas Pipeline in Niger State has been designated as an Industrial Development Zone, adding that the area would be officially gazetted to facilitate investment and attract both local and international industries.
He expressed optimism that the AKK project would unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the Bida Basin, opening new frontiers for exploration, investment and long-term economic prosperity.
NNPC LTD REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, reaffirmed the company's commitment to ensuring that Niger State derives maximum benefits from the AKK Gas Pipeline Project.
He described Niger State as one of Nigeria's most strategic energy corridors, revealing that NNPC plans to extend gas distribution infrastructure to Suleja, Lambata and Minna through its gas marketing subsidiary.
According to him, the Gas Master Plan provides a practical framework for the systematic commercialisation of natural gas in the state and will stimulate industrial growth, improve energy access and enhance economic competitiveness.
Providing an update on the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim, disclosed that construction work is progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the project would substantially improve gas supply to industries and businesses upon completion.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, described Niger State as strategically positioned to become a major gas-based industrial hub. He revealed that plans are underway to expand gas distribution networks to provide industries, commercial enterprises and households with affordable and reliable energy.
SULEJA TO BECOME CNG HUB
As part of the renewable energy collaboration, Governor Bago reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting the Federal Government's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, describing gas infrastructure as critical to the state's industrial future.
He disclosed that he had directed the Chairman of Suleja Local Government Area to allocate land for the establishment of a Mother CNG Station, noting that Suleja is being positioned as a major logistics hub for CNG-powered trucks and commercial vehicles.
The governor emphasised that expanding CNG infrastructure would reduce transportation costs, stimulate private investment, create additional employment opportunities and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye said the CNG programme remains one of the flagship projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and confirmed that Niger State would become one of the country's major centres for CNG commercialisation.
STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND INITIATIVE
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for initiating the project and pledged the full support of the traditional institution towards its successful implementation.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, described the forum as a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships that would enable Niger State to fully harness the opportunities presented by the AKK Gas Pipeline.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Bago administration to providing the enabling policies, infrastructure and institutional support required for businesses and investors to thrive.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Alhaji Aminu Suleiman Takuma, also applauded NNPC Ltd for partnering with the state, assuring investors that Niger State has created a business-friendly environment capable of supporting sustainable industrial growth.
The forum also featured technical panel discussions during which industry experts examined strategies for accelerating domestic gas utilisation, expanding renewable energy investments and driving Nigeria's transition to a cleaner and more diversified energy economy.
With the signing of the two landmark agreements, Niger State has reinforced its ambition to become a leading destination for gas-based industrialisation, renewable energy development and investment, further advancing its vision of building a resilient and prosperous economy under the New Niger Agenda.
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