DEPUTY Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro says Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration has created the enabling environment for business to thrive in the oil and gas-rich state.
Otuaro made the statement during an inspection tour of SEEPCO LNG plant, Ogbagwu, Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.
“Delta State is open to prospective investors in the areas of agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas, science and technology among others,” Otuaro said, stressing that the impact of the multi billion naira gas processing plant at Ogume on the state and national economy cannot be over emphasized.
He solicited for stronger partnership between the state government, the company and Ogume community, and commended the youths and elders of the host community for providing a condusive enviroment for the construction of the gas plant without any form of disturbances or crisis.
He stressed that, “the state government had institutional structure for peace building,” and advised officials of the company “to carry the state government along when signing any memorandum of understanding with the community in order to forestall any misunderstanding.”
The deputy governor commended SEEPCO for citing the multi-billion naira gas plant in the state, adding, “the project was key in harnessing the rich gas reserves that abound in the state”.
Commissioner for Oil and Gas in the state, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba at the event, said, “Delta State is rich in oil and gas, hence the need for investors to take advantage of the condusive environment and invest in the state.”
He stated that the company was constructing the gas plant in line with international best practices, adding that government was pleased with its operations.
Vice President, SEEPCO Group of Companies, Mr Sandeep Singh said, “the project which is a multi billion naira gas processing plant had 95 per cent input from local content, including laying of 100 kilometres of pipeline to the plant while the others which are highly technical were fabricated from USA, UK, India and Germany.”
He noted that the gas plant which is the latest technology in the industry will also have a 1, 000 mega watts independent power plant that will feed Asaba and envrions.
Mr Singh said, “natural gas would be sourced for the plant from OML143.
“I commended the state government for providing the enabling environment to execute the project.”
Also, the Head of Project, Mr Santil explained the project design, diagram and benefits via a projector before conducting the Deputy Governor and his entourage round the plant stated, “when completed, the plant would provide about 700, 000 metric tonnes of processed gas daily.”
He said, “SEEPCO was the first company in Nigeria to go for mounted bullet storage facility for propane, butane and LPG which is considered safest mode of bulk hydrocarbon.
“SEEPCO started in 2011 with the introduction of zero gas flaring policy as part of the gas master plan.With the plant, the gap between supply and demand will be reduced, development of gas base and increase availability of LPG and reduction of dependence on kerosene and other fuels among others.”
Highpoint of the inspection visit was the tour of the various units of the plants by the Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and other dignitaries including the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and gas, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba and Delta State Deputy Chief Of Staff, Engr. Jude Senebe.
