Akwa Ibom State has achieved a significant milestone in its gas industrialisation drive with the delivery of equipment for its 10 million standard cubic feet per day Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station at Uquo Isi Edoho, Esit Eket Local Government Area. The equipment, manufactured by a Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer, includes compressors, dehydration and filtering units, heat exchangers, and generating sets. This development brings the project closer to inauguration and the establishment of a statewide CNG distribution network.
The Project Consultant, Mkposong Asuquo, stated that the delivery of the equipment fulfilled the promise to fast-track the facility from groundbreaking to installation and inauguration. He noted that the facility was strategically located to harness pipeline gas within its corridor, approximately 500 metres from Frontier Energy and three kilometres from Savannah Energy's Accugas facility, where its feedstock would be sourced. The project is an equity partnership between Nsik Oil & Gas Company Limited and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, under the supervision of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas).
According to Asuquo, the equipment was cleared and delivered to the site after a successful Factory Acceptance Test in Jiangsu Province, China, involving the project team and regulators from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The equipment will form the core of the compression and processing system, comprising four reciprocating compressors, dehydration and filtration systems, heat exchangers, and four generator sets. The power configuration includes gas-fired generation with an alternative gasoline-powered backup to guarantee reliability.
Asuquo disclosed that the company had also ordered two trailers to transport compressed gas from the mother station to planned daughter stations across the state. The project aims to feed most vehicles that are already CNG-powered and bring CNG closer to motorists and industries. He commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, MDGIF led by Mr Wole Adama, NMDPRA, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for their support.
The project has crossed critical stages, including land acquisition, Environmental Impact Assessment, Front-End Engineering Design, Detailed Engineering Design, Licence to Establish, Licence to Construct, and gas supply arrangement. Asuquo expressed optimism about the quick completion of the project, stating that inauguration would occur in a short period. Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) on Political Affairs, Kufre Sam, noted that the minister was interested in the project for its potential to deepen the Federal Government's CNG initiative in Akwa Ibom.
The CNG Mother Station project is expected to have a significant impact on the state's economy and environment. Once completed, the facility will provide a reliable and cleaner source of energy for vehicles and industries, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel. The project is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
The delivery of the equipment marks a significant milestone in the development of the CNG Mother Station, which is expected to be completed soon. The project's success will depend on the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the state government, federal government, and private sector partners. With the equipment in place, the project is poised to make a significant contribution to Nigeria's energy mix and economic development.
Key points
- The equipment delivery brings the CNG Mother Station project closer to inauguration and the establishment of a statewide CNG distribution network.
- The project is an equity partnership between Nsik Oil & Gas Company Limited and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund.
- The facility will provide a reliable and cleaner source of energy for vehicles and industries, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel.
