Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Butane Energy Limited, has commissioned a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant in Bauchi State as part of its strategic efforts to deepen domestic gas utilization, expand access to cleaner cooking fuel, and strengthen indigenous participation across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Bauchi LPG plant is the third facility developed under the NCDMB–Butane Energy partnership, following the successful establishment of similar plants in Katsina and Kaduna States. This expansion directly supports the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative and aims to tackle energy poverty across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Director, Corporate Services of NCDMB, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, who represented the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, FNSE, commended Butane Energy Limited for its commitment to expanding LPG infrastructure and increasing the availability of cleaner energy solutions across the country.
Dr. Halilu reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to promoting investments that deepen Nigerian Content, strengthen domestic gas infrastructure, and improve energy accessibility for Nigerians.
He noted that the partnership with Butane Energy Limited aligns with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, particularly the Board’s mandate to support Nigerian companies capable of driving the nation’s energy transition.
According to him, “NCDMB remains committed to supporting indigenous companies through strategic investments that create jobs, stimulate local manufacturing, improve energy security, and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits for the country.”
Highlighting the operational oversight behind the project, the Deputy Manager, Commercial Ventures Division and Alternate Director on the partnership, Mrs. Chika Asa Enwerem-Okidi, reiterated NCDMB’s commitment to supporting local contractors and indigenous companies through strategic investments.
She explained that the Commercial Ventures Division of the Board is responsible for ensuring that investments are progressing as planned, delivering value, and achieving their intended developmental objectives.
“The success of this project demonstrates the impact of effective monitoring, strong collaboration, and sustained investment in indigenous businesses,” she stated, adding, “Our objective is not only to invest, but to ensure these investments translate into tangible economic outcomes for Nigerians.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Plant Manager of Butane Energy Limited, Mr. Boniface Bartholomew, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for its continued support and strategic partnership in the successful delivery of the company’s third LPG plant. He stated that the facility is established to serve the Bauchi metropolis and surrounding communities by improving access to clean and affordable cooking gas.
‘’So far so good; in Bauchi we have one of the largest capacities of LPG – our tanks are 120 metric tons,” he declared, pointing out that the company has “top-notch mechanical equipment to serve both retailers and direct users here in Bauchi.” He assured that Butane Energy Limited is committed to making clean LPG products available to the people of the State, and that its target is to eradicate the usage of charcoal and firewood.
Prior to the formal ribbon-cutting, officials of the NCDMB undertook an inspection of the LPG plant facilities to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure.
The commissioning of the Bauchi LPG plant reinforces NCDMB’s commitment to implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, through strategic investments that enhance local value creation, support indigenous businesses, expand domestic gas infrastructure, and promote sustainable national development.
The project is expected to improve access to cleaner cooking fuel, create direct and indirect employment opportunities, reinforcing regional energy security, and contributing significantly to economic growth in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.