Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) marked its presence at the prestigious Gastech 2023 conference, held in Singapore where with the support of corporate members such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), it championed and advanced the Nigerian Decade of Gas agenda on a global stage.
Gastech is renowned as the world’s largest gathering of energy professionals, serving as a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss and address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the global energy sector.
Akachukwu Nwokedi, President of the NGA, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the pivotal role of natural gas in the nation’s energy transition. Mr. Nwokedi stated, “Nigeria is at the forefront of the global energy landscape, and our participation at Gastech 2023 underscores our commitment to drive positive change in the industry. Natural gas is an indispensable catalyst for sustainable development and energy security, and we take great pride in spotlighting Nigeria’s vast potential in this sector.”
He added, “The Decade of Gas policy is propelling Nigeria to become a regional and global gas hub, offering economic opportunities and sustainable energy solutions. Our esteemed corporate members, NNPCL and NLNG, are pivotal in driving these initiatives, collaborating actively to advance Nigeria’s position as a prominent player in the global gas market. Their active participation at Gastech reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to responsible gas production for domestic use and export markets.”
The NGA’s strong presence at Gastech 2023 underscored its commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of global energy.
In a groundbreaking moment at Gastech 2023, which was supported by the NGA, Dateline Energy Services (DESL) became the first Nigerian Original Equipment Manufacturer “OEM” to design a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Coastal Carrier Barge. DESL and CITRA SHIPYARD, a globally recognised shipbuilding company in Batam, Indonesia, leveraged the event to sign kick-off agreements.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honorable Minister of State Petroleum (Gas), Mr. Faruk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Julius Rone, UTM FLNG Limited, Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) and Mr. Ed Ubong, the immediate past NGA President. among other industry leaders.
DESL and CITRA have jointly adapted process engineering and designs crafted by DESL in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy’s Naval Dockyard Limited. This partnership aims to construct two LNG “Gas” Coastal Transportation Carrier Barges, addressing gas evacuation and distribution challenges Nigerian operators and other oil and gas-producing countries face.
This indigenous Nigerian concept has already attracted global investors, pre-ordering the specialized marine craft, which, once operational, will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
NGA also made significant strides featuring in the all-important Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) discourse at Gastech 2023. The Association’s DEI Study Group Chairperson, Engr Chichi Emenike and the Secretary, Ekomobong Alfred, represented the study group at the conference.
The study group leaders met with Andrea Panczel, the global Chairperson of the Women in Energy Association, fostering collaboration between the DEI study group and the Women in Energy Network (WiEN).
Consequently, stakeholders agreed to include African women’s representation as panelists in subsequent Gastech Conferences, starting with Gastech 2024 in Houston, Texas. Similarly, Tracy Lothan, VP of Low Carbon Solutions, ExxonMobil, expressed interest in collaborating with the DEI study group leaders.
The NGA continues to promote DEI in the energy sector, advancing its commitment to fostering a more inclusive industry.