By Bunmi Yekini
The Federal Government has issued gas distribution and importation licenses to the first batch of accredited marketers, marking a major step in the country’s gas expansion initiative. The ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders in the downstream sector.
Among the companies granted licenses were NGML, NIPCO, AXXELA, FALCON, and SNG. The event also had in attendance the Minister of State for Oil, chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Gas and Downstream, the Coordinator of PiCNG, and top executives from NNPC and NUPRC.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Oil emphasized the importance of the initiative in ensuring the seamless distribution of gas to all 774 local government areas.
“This license is not just a document, it is a responsibility. We expect the licensed marketers to drive the full implementation of the President’s gas expansion initiative,” the minister stated.
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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas also highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion, stressing that it would enhance energy accessibility and reduce dependency on other fossil fuels.
“With proper execution, this initiative will not only provide affordable energy but also create jobs and attract investment into the gas sector,” he said.
Industry players, including the President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), commended the government’s commitment to gas infrastructure development and pledged support for nationwide gas distribution.
“We are ready to work closely with the government to ensure that gas reaches every part of the country,” a PETROAN representative noted.