Ekperikpe Ekpo Inspects ELPS Midline Compressor Stations, Reaffirms Federal Government's Commitment to Expanding Nigeria's Gas Infrastructure

Ekperikpe Ekpo Inspects ELPS Midline Compressor Stations, Reaffirms Federal Government's Commitment to Expanding Nigeria's Gas Infrastructure

Emmanuel Oduara 

The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to accelerating the development of strategic gas infrastructure across the country, following an inspection tour of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) Midline Compressor Stations at Ologbo and Okada in Edo State.

The inspection forms part of the Federal Government's broader agenda to deepen gas infrastructure development under the Decade of Gas Initiative, aimed at unlocking Nigeria's vast natural gas resources to drive industrialisation, improve energy security, expand domestic gas utilisation and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

The Minister was accompanied on the inspection by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Limited, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, alongside the Chairman of Lee Engineering & Construction Company Limited, Chief (Dr.) Leemon Ikpea, whose company is executing the project.

Speaking during the visit, Rt. Hon. Ekpo expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the project and commended NNPC Limited, Lee Engineering and all project stakeholders for maintaining the implementation schedule.

He urged the contractors and project partners to sustain the current momentum to ensure the timely completion, testing and commissioning of the facilities in line with the Federal Government's expectations.

"This project is central to our vision of building a robust gas transportation network capable of supporting Nigeria's industrial growth, power generation and economic diversification. We remain committed to ensuring that critical gas infrastructure projects are delivered on schedule for the benefit of all Nigerians," the Minister stated.

The Minister further reiterated that investments in strategic gas transportation infrastructure remain critical to unlocking the country's enormous gas potential, attracting new investments, creating employment opportunities and strengthening Nigeria's position as a leading gas economy in Africa.

The Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) is Nigeria's flagship domestic natural gas transmission network. Commissioned in the late 1980s and subsequently expanded through the ELPS II project, the pipeline transports natural gas from the Escravos region in Delta State to major industrial clusters, manufacturing companies and power generation plants across Western Nigeria, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and other adjoining states.

As domestic gas demand continues to increase, the installation of Midline Compressor Stations at Ologbo and Okada represents a strategic upgrade designed to boost gas pressure and significantly increase the pipeline's transmission capacity. The project is expected to eliminate existing transportation constraints, improve operational efficiency and guarantee more reliable gas supply to industries, commercial consumers and electricity generation facilities.

Upon completion, the compressor stations will substantially enhance the operational capacity of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System, ensuring more efficient gas delivery to power plants and industries, supporting Nigeria's industrialisation agenda, improving electricity generation and reinforcing the nation's long-term energy security objectives.

The project also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's commitment to leveraging Nigeria's abundant natural gas resources as a catalyst for economic transformation, energy transition and sustainable national development.

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