Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended Optimera Energy LFZE for investing in a world class natural gas distribution infrastructure project at the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.
The minister who spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the project designed to distribute natural gas to companies operating within the Lekki Free Zone called on private sector investors to partner with the government in growing the country’s gas sector.
Ekpo described Optimera Energy’s investment as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future and lauded the firm for their visionary approach and commitment to advancing the country’s nation’s energy landscape.
He said: “The development of a 25 million standard cubic feet per day City Gate Station, scalable to 100 million standard cubic feet per day, along with the necessary ancillary infrastructure, reflects not only their dedication but also a shared vision for a thriving and resilient Nigeria.Natural Gas is a critical component of our energy mix, offering cleaner and more efficient solutions.
“The collaboration between the public and private sector is essential in achieving our nation’s energy security goals, and today’s ceremony exemplifies the power of such partnerships. I urge all stakeholders present to continue fostering the spirit of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the energy sector.”
Ekpo said the investments in gas infrastructure was not all about pipes and stations, but about powering communities, industries, and dreams. “It is about creating a foundation for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. It is about making Nigeria an economic giant within the subregion using our abundant gas resources,” he said.
Speaking during the ceremony, Managing Director of Optimera Energy, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, disclosed that the infrastructure is comprised of a 25MMScf/D City Gate Station, scalable to 100MMScf/D, together with necessary ancillary infrastructure which includes 10km distribution lines within the zone as well as a 6.5km x 10 inches gas pipeline from the Escravos – Lagos Pipeline System tie-in point in the Lekki corridor outside the zone to Optimera City Gate Station at the Lagos Free zone.
Mrs. Joe-Ezigbo explained that Optimera Energy signed a 20-year Gas Infrastructure Development Agreement (GIDA) with the Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) to connect off-takers to our gas distribution infrastructure within the zone.
“The LFZC has invested over $2.5 billion in building a world-class facility integrated with Lekki Deep Seaport in the Zone, and we are excited to be part of this infrastructural development in our nation, Nigeria, particularly as this project is fully aligned with the nation’s Decade of Gas aspirations,” she said.
