By Ali Elias
UGHELLI, DELTA STATE— The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on Tuesday reaffirmed its strategic commitment to Nigeria’s gas development agenda as it participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of a 200 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) gas processing plant in Delta State.
The facility, being developed by Southfield Petroleum Limited in partnership with the Board, is located in Iwherekan, Ughelli, and is expected to significantly boost domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply, promote cleaner energy adoption, and deepen local content through increased utilisation of Nigerian expertise.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented at the event by the Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, described the project as a reflection of the Board’s broader mandate to drive industrialisation and build in-country capacity.
According to him, the Board’s equity participation in the project underscores its commitment to job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.
“NCDMB’s involvement in this project demonstrates our resolve to translate policy into tangible investments that create value for Nigerians,” Halilu said, expressing confidence in the safe and timely delivery of the plant.
The project aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which seeks to harness Nigeria’s vast gas reserves to drive economic diversification and energy transition.
Chairman of Southfield Petroleum Limited, Patrick Ndiomu, said the facility would play a crucial role in addressing the country’s energy needs, noting that it is projected to supply up to 20 per cent of Nigeria’s LPG demand upon completion.
“This plant represents a major step forward in strengthening domestic gas utilisation and reducing reliance on imports,” Ndiomu said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, described the project as transformative, urging host communities to take ownership and safeguard the facility.
“This project is for the benefit of the people. The host communities must see themselves as key stakeholders and ensure its success,” he said.
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Raphael Chinda commended NCDMB for translating government policy into impactful investments.
He also lauded Southfield Petroleum Limited for initiating the project and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for initiatives that advance Nigeria’s gas development objectives.
The NCDMB delegation to the event included the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi; Zonal Coordinator, Edo/Delta, James Eyetigha; alongside other senior officials.
Energy experts say the Utorogu gas processing plant, once operational, will not only boost LPG availability but also contribute to Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner fuels, reduce carbon emissions, and support industrial growth through enhanced gas utilisation. The project further highlights increasing collaboration between government and private sector players in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s gas resources.