Tinubu: We’ll Use Nigeria’s Gas Resources To Create Jobs and Boost Export Earnings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed on Thursday his commitment to harnessing Nigeria's gas resources to drive industrial growth, enhance electricity supply, generate employment, and augment export revenues. This pledge came as the indigenous engineering firm, Lee Engineering, celebrated the successful construction of two compressor stations, which will enable the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System to run at its maximum capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily.

The president received Chief Leemon Ikpea, founder and chairman of Lee Engineering, at the State House in Abuja to discuss this accomplishment.

Tinubu reiterated his administration's "Nigeria First" policy and called on international oil companies operating in Nigeria to offer more opportunities for locally-based engineering and manufacturing firms to engage in major energy projects. The midline compressor stations, currently being constructed by Lee Engineering in Edo State, are essential for raising the operating pressure of the pipeline, allowing it to deliver gas at full capacity.

This project will bolster gas transportation to power plants and industries along the route, increase supplies to neighboring West African nations via the West African Gas Pipeline, and generate additional export earnings.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria First must lead to more contracts for capable Nigerian firms, the greater use of locally manufactured equipment, and more skilled jobs for Nigerians. He invited international oil companies to form stronger partnerships with indigenous engineering companies that have proven their ability to manage complex projects.

Additionally, he highlighted his administration's 2024 executive orders and directives on local content compliance, contracting costs, and approval timelines as measures to attract investment, reduce delays, and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses. Ikpea praised the president's Nigeria First policy and revealed that Lee Engineering's fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, is manufacturing components for the compressor stations, employing advanced fabrication equipment.

Nigerian companies, according to Ikpea, have invested heavily in modern equipment, technology, and skilled personnel, enabling them to undertake projects previously managed by foreign contractors, thereby retaining jobs, expertise, and economic value within the country.