Tinubu backs local engineers to unlock gas pipeline capacity
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, improve electricity supply, create jobs and boost export earnings, backing indigenous engineering firms to play a greater role in major energy projects.
The President spoke against the backdrop of Lee Engineering Group’s construction of two compressor stations designed to enable the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) to operate at its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
He urged international oil companies operating in Nigeria to expand partnerships with indigenous engineering and manufacturing firms capable of delivering complex projects.
Lee Engineering is handling the engineering, procurement and construction of two midline compressor stations in Edo State.
The compressor stations are required to raise operating pressure and enable the system to deliver at its full capacity. The project is expected to strengthen gas transportation to power plants and industries along the pipeline corridor, support increased supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline, and generate additional export earnings.
The President highlighted his administration’s 2024 executive orders and presidential directives on local content compliance, contracting costs and approval timelines, which are designed to attract investment and encourage the use of locally manufactured equipment.
According to Ikpea, indigenous firms have developed the capacity to execute complex engineering, procurement and construction projects previously dominated by foreign contractors.
He said the facility housed some of the industry’s most advanced fabrication equipment. Ikpea added that Nigerian companies had invested significantly in modern equipment, technology and skilled personnel, enabling them to undertake complex engineering, procurement and construction projects previously handled by foreign contractors.