Nigerian Billionaire’s Company Completes Gas Plant: A Game-Changer for the Energy Sector

Ardova Gas Processing Plant Set to Boost Local Cooking Gas Production in Nigeria

In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Ardova gas processing plant is set to commence operations in March 2024 and is expected to meet over 50% of the country’s demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This local production boost is likely to lead to a drop in cooking gas prices, according to stakeholders.

Owned by Nigerian billionaire Abdulwasiu Sowami, Ardova Plc (AP) is an indigenous energy company hailing from Abeokuta, Ogun state, and is led by an astute entrepreneur.

The gas plant, located in Ojora, Lagos state, has recently completed its construction and is now ready to serve the public.

During the pre-commissioning tour of the facility, Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), expressed his support for the project.

The Ardova gas plant boasts a newly built 24,000 metric tonnes LPG facility and an upgraded terminal that is fully propane-rated and the largest in West Africa.

The facility also features a 1.6KM 10-inch jetty line connecting it to the NPSC jetty in Apapa, in-tank and in-line blending capabilities, and other supporting infrastructure that can throughput about 700,000 MT per annum, which is more than 50% of the nation’s current LPG demand.

In response to the project, the NMDPRA boss said, “I am very impressed with this project, and I commend Ardova Plc for following all the due process.

From the beginning, the Company involved NMDPRA as a regulator, and we are glad to see that the progress on the project has been very efficient.”

The automation of the facility will help increase efficiency in what is already the largest LPG Storage facility in West Africa.

Ahmed also stated that the regulatory perspective is to encourage investment and meet the deadlines for delivering this project, as the nation is eagerly waiting for it.

However, the issue of high cooking gas prices in Nigeria has been a concern for many, with marketers addressing the problem.

The Nigerian Association of Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) accused the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal operators of causing the country’s high cooking gas cost.

With the Ardova gas processing plant set to commence operations soon, it is expected that the increased local production will help reduce cooking gas prices and provide relief to Nigerian households.