President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed a firm commitment to utilizing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources as a transition fuel to drive significant economic restructuring and growth during his tenure. He made this pledge during a meeting with the Board and Management of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) at the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of removing obstacles to entrepreneurial progress and development in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He asserted that his administration would collaborate with partners to reshape the nation’s economy and create more opportunities for Nigerian companies and international collaborators to flourish.
Highlighting natural gas as a key factor in Nigeria’s sustainable development, President Tinubu expressed his determination to establish partnerships with investors that would lead to job creation and skill development for the country’s youth. He recognized the need to provide stability and prosperity to the lives of the youth, contributing to a more harmonious and productive society.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by NLNG, including security concerns, President Tinubu emphasized the central role of stakeholders, host communities, and security agencies in resolving contentious issues and ensuring peaceful and profitable operations.
The NLNG Board Chairman, King Edmund Daukuru, shared frustrations experienced by non-government stakeholders and highlighted the importance of building trust between investors and host communities. He stressed the need for inclusivity throughout the process.
Dr. Philip Mshelbila, the NLNG Managing Director, congratulated President Tinubu on his election victory and praised his bold reforms aimed at transforming the Nigerian economy. He also commended the President’s recent actions to suspend problematic provisions in the Finance Act amendments that had impacted NLNG’s operations.
The meeting underscored President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging Nigeria’s gas resources to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall well-being of the country’s citizens.