ABUJA – The Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, on Tuesday called on host communities on Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) to ensure the protection of the national asset.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Timothy Oyedeji, the Deputy Director (Press) in the ministry in Abuja.
The statement stated that the minister made this known at the steering committee meeting on Escravos-Lagos Pipe-line System (ELPS).
It assured that the Federal Government would not renege on its promise to deliver on a 14mw to 20mw gas-fired plant for the area.
According to the statement, the ministry will diligently perform its over-sight function of making sure that the project enjoyed adequate budgetary provision and political will.
Wakil stressed the need for the steering committee to work assiduously as Mr President’s Transformation Agenda for the power sector had been underpinned by the availability of gas for power.
The statement also quoted the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Godknows Igali, as saying that the Escravos-Lagos Pipe-line was strategically important.
Igali said this was because it carried gas to most gas-fired power plants and the West-Africa Gas pipeline, hence it must be well protected.
It also stated that the Group Executive Director, Gas, at NNPC, Dr David Ige, described the proposed project as one of the many intervention programmes of government.
Ige said that by making gas available there would be increased economic activities among the citizenry
“We are all united in protecting the pipelines, the host communities, Delta State Government and Local Governments in the area.
“Indeed, the Federal Government will use the project to build solid relationship that will protect the biggest and most important gas supply network in Nigeria,’’ Ige said. (NAN)