By Eyo Nsima
The Nigerian Gas Association, NGA, has tasked stakeholders in Nigeria’s gas sector to work toward harnessing adequate gas for power generation, domestic cooking and export to generate foreign exchange.
The association also harped on the need for massive infrastructural development, improved regulatory climate, capable of encouraging domestic and foreign investment in the nation.
Speaking at the 23rd Annual General Meeting, AGM of the association in Lagos, the President, NGA, Mr. Ed Ubong, who also harped on willing seller and willing buyer, said: “It gladdens my heart to see you all at this physical event after two years of virtual event due to COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a gradual return to our interactive/communal activity as an association. I encourage us to continue with all health and security safety measures as progress into the festive period.
“Earlier in the year, the International Gas Union (IGU) held the 28th edition of World Gas Conference (WGC) in South Korea and your Association being countryʼs representative at the event hosted the Nigerian Pavilion where Nigerian gas success stories was showcased, vast business opportunities and the strategic interests of Nigeriaʼs Decade of Gas projected.
“The pavilion witnessed a massive visit from dignitaries, top international functionaries, and delegates at the conference as well as a tripartite contract signing between Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, NLNG Shipping Management Limited & Temile Development Company for construction of landmark 23,000cubic LPG carrier ship; with the Nigerian day celebration showing the rich cultural values of our great country.
“Special appreciation goes to the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva who led the Nigerian delegation; Mallam Melle Kyari (Chief Host of the Nigerian delegation); Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Ambassador Ali M. Magashi; Board Chairman, NNPC, Senator Margery Chuba-Okadigbo; Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr. Philip Msheibila; MD NGMC, HRH Justin Ezeala; CEO Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr. Farouk Ahmed; Mr. AbdulKabir Ahmed, GED, Gas & Power, NNPC; and our Twenty (20) Sponsor Companies.
“NGA has continued in its advocacy campaign via engagement with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum ED UBONG, PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN GAS ASSOCIATION 07 Authority (NMDPRA); Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and participation in over 10 conferences both local and internationally; to ensure continued promotion of the utilization of natural gas as the preferred energy source in Nigeria. Furthermore, we have been able to impact more individuals within the gas industry through our learning solution training programmes with the support of facilitatorsʼ expertise and the NGA secretariat team.
“The Association’s biennial International Conference & Exhibition (NGAICE) and Decade of Gas conference will be held together with the Ministry of Petroleum as part of the NIES 2023 on Wednesday, 19th April 2023. The highlight will be the Gas Awards and the inauguration of the new council that will be elected today. We assure members that we will work with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class showcase of the Nigeria Gas story, and the remarkable strides which our members and government are making during this energy transition. We count on your support, sponsorship, and participation at the event.
“These 22 months as the President of this noble association has been an extremely interesting one as we keep working towards a successful the Decade of Gas. I would like to reiterate on the need to focus on the 7-thematic areas for the delivery of Decade of Gas aspirations: Gas to Power Solution, Ensuring reliable cooking gas, Acceleration of Infrastructural development (the AKK, Virtual Operators), Stable regulation framework (quick transition to willing buyer willing seller market), Support of Export market, Gas to industries and Deepening of Local content & building of right capacity with the right people.
“As we progress into Decade of Gas year, I look forward to the unlocking of Nigeria significant potentials through its resources and numerous talent. At this point, I would like to thank my Executive Council – Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi; Mrs. Yetunde Taiwo; Engr. Chichi Emenike; Mr. Odianosen Masade; Mrs. Dolapo Kukoyi; Mr. Emeka Iheme and Dr. Dikko Atanu for their immerse support and contributions over the past two 08 years of governing the association; the study groups led by Dr. Abraham Eju Magose, Coordinator NGA Study Groups; Mr. James Odiase (NGA SG1. Chair); Dr. Dikko Atanu (NGA SG2. Chair); Mrs Uzo Ozoh (NGA SG3. Vice Chair) as the SG Chair – Mr Glenn Olowojaiye stepped down during the year due to other obligations; Mr. Charles Okonkwo (NGA SG4. Chair) as well as the vice-chairs, secretary and members of all NGA Study Groups.
“Also, Mrs. Orighomisan Jekhine (NGA Conference & Programs Chairperson), Mr. Taji Ogbe (NGA Executive Secretary) and members of the NGA Secretariat team who continually support to ensure this great association keeps going; the Modion Communication team who have served as events partner to the NGA. Thank you all, it has indeed being a great privilege and honour to serve as the President Nigeria Gas Association.”
He added: “Distinguished members, today we will be holding elections for the 2022-2024 NGA Executive Council; I implore us to be actively involved in the entire process. On behalf of the 2020-2022 Executive Council members, I would like to express our gratitude to you for all the support given to us during our tenure. I wish us all greater success in our personal life, careers and organizations as we deepening Nigeria’s gas industry and advance the NGA. Once again, welcome you to our 2022 Annual General Meeting. I thank you all for coming and wish us all fruitful AGM deliberations.”
