President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, improve electricity supply, create jobs and increase export earnings.
Speaking while receiving the Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Chief Leemon Ikpea, in Abuja, the President also urged international oil companies to give qualified Nigerian engineering and manufacturing firms greater opportunities to participate in major energy projects.
Tinubu said his administration’s **Nigeria First** policy must deliver practical benefits through more contracts for capable local companies, increased use of Nigerian-made equipment and the creation of skilled jobs.
He encouraged international operators to strengthen partnerships with indigenous engineering firms that have demonstrated the expertise to execute complex projects.
Lee Engineering is undertaking the engineering, procurement and construction of two midline compressor stations in Edo State to support gas transportation along the ELPS II corridor.
The pipeline’s designed capacity increased from 1.1 billion to 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily under the ELPS II expansion. However, the compressor stations are required to raise operating pressure and enable it to deliver at full capacity.
The project is expected to improve gas deliveries to power plants and industries along the corridor, while supporting additional supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline.
It is also expected to create opportunities for increased export revenue.
Tinubu highlighted his administration’s 2024 executive orders and presidential directives on local content compliance, contracting costs and approval timelines, describing them as measures intended to attract investment, reduce delays and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Earlier, Ikpea commended the President’s Nigeria First policy and said Lee Engineering’s fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, was manufacturing some of the components required for the compressor stations.
He added that the facility housed some of the industry’s most advanced fabrication equipment.
According to Ikpea, Nigerian engineering companies have made substantial investments in modern equipment, technology and skilled personnel, strengthening their ability to undertake complex projects previously executed by foreign contractors.
He said greater participation by indigenous firms would retain more jobs, technical expertise and economic value within the country.