The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of Mele Kyari for its commitment to advancing domestic gas utilisation in Nigeria. Speaking at the award ceremony for gas distribution licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja, Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, highlighted NNPCL’s leading role in domestic gas investment, describing it as crucial for the nation’s economic prosperity.
“The Nigerian government, in an unprecedented move, has awarded 10 gas distribution licences (GDL) to six companies to enhance the country’s gas utilisation drive,” he stated. He noted that many individuals and businesses rely on gas as a key energy source for both domestic and commercial purposes.
Among the licensed companies, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited secured the majority of the permits, alongside Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, Axxela, NIPCO Plc, Central Horizon Gas Company, and Falcon Corporation Limited. The GDL, as provided in Sections 148-152 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), grants exclusive rights to establish, construct, and operate gas distribution systems within designated local Gas Distribution Zones (GDZs).
Hon. Ugochinyere emphasized that NNPCL’s leadership in gas distribution infrastructure investment is a testament to its commitment under Mele Kyari to achieving nationwide domestic gas accessibility.
“As lawmakers, particularly those serving on the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), we assure Nigerians, the NNPCL, and private sector stakeholders of our continued legislative support to ensure energy sufficiency through such federal government initiatives,” he affirmed.
