Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has completed the last phase of the gas pipeline expansion project in Abia State. The gas pipeline is connecting Agbor Hill, Osisioma, and Ariaria industrial zones. It is poised to provide clean, clear energy to the industrial factories in the area, and fuel the Ariaria Market Energy Solutions Ltd, an Independent Power Project, IPP, that provides the electrical power supply to the acclaimed Ariaria International Market in Abia State.

Ariaria International Market is one of the foremost leather shoe-making and open stall markets in West Africa, with more than 37000 shops and about a million traders.

SNG and its partners and local stakeholders, has agreements to build infrastructure and deliver natural gas to over 150 industrial and commercial customers, mostly in Ogun, Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa and Lagos States. This will improve industrialisation, create employment for skilled and unskilled indigent population and practically increase internally generated revenues in these states.

Ed Ubong, the Managing Director, SNG said, “We are proud of this domestic gas infrastructure investment which allows the industries in Abia to have more reliable and cleaner source of energy. SNG is committed to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation provided there is a stable regulatory environment in the domestic gas sector that allows investors recover their investment.”

Christopher Eze, Managing Director, NICEN Industries Limited, a paint and plastics manufacturer connected to the pipeline, said, “SNG has put life back into our industries in Aba through the provision of this natural gas line. This milestone will open up the state for an influx of investors, thereby creating an enabling environment that will generate job opportunities for the youth of the State. I am sure that many industries in Aba will quickly take advantage of this great opportunity. Our company sincerely appreciates SNG for this great feat.”

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, is not left out in the influx of commendations as Mansur Ahmed, the president of the Association, said, the Association is proud of the role that Shell is playing in boosting industrialisation in Nigeria through domestic gas supply. “Industries and manufacturing plants play a key role in transforming the Nigerian economy and this project will connect many manufacturers in Abia State, one of the nation’s major industrial hubs, to pipeline gas, which is a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of energy.”

He said the gas supply to the Ariaria Market IPP would strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises in the Abia State and enhance the operating environment for manufacturing to thrive.

Bamidele Odugbesan, SNG’s Media Relations Manager, said that with a reputation for safety, credibility and reliability, SNG has maintained a 16-year streak of successful ISO 14001 certification and has operated for over 10 years without any lost time injuries.

Shell Nigeria Gas was incorporated in Nigeria in 1998. It is fully owned by Royal Dutch Shell Group.

Source: Shell.com.ng