The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has thrown its support behind a Mini-LNG and LCNG project by Portland Gas Limited in Gwagwalada, Abuja. The facility is set to receive gas from the upcoming Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, scheduled for inauguration in July.

Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, announced this during a Portland Gas investment workshop in Abuja. Represented by NNPC’s Business Development Manager, Suleiman Kachalla, he highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s compressed natural gas (CNG) sector, which has attracted over $200 million in private investments and established more than 300 conversion centres nationwide. The sector aims to convert one million vehicles to CNG by 2027, a move expected to reduce fuel imports, cut transport costs, and conserve foreign exchange.

Gwagwalada, located at a key transport junction connecting Kogi and northern states, has emerged as a commercial and logistics hub. The new Mini-LNG/LCNG plant is expected to supply vehicles, power industries, and reduce diesel dependence, reinforcing energy resilience. Ogunleye emphasized that the project’s modular design allows for phased expansion, reducing capital risk while meeting growing demand.

Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, stressed that affordable energy is critical for Nigeria’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy. While the Presidential CNG Initiative has made early progress, Yusuf noted that scaling it nationally will require coordinated efforts with state governments, reliable supply chains, accessible financing, and strict safety standards.

Portland Gas Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Folajimi Mohammed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to clean and sustainable gas solutions. He said Portland Gas has consistently delivered high-standard projects and is ready to play a leading role in Nigeria’s energy transition.