Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has reiterated the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to advancing the Brass Gas Projects, highlighting their role in Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda through strategic gas utilisation.

Speaking at the two-day All-Party Stakeholders Workshop on the Brass Projects in Abuja, Ekpo outlined that the Brass Methanol Plant, Gas Processing Plant, and Brass Free Zone Infrastructure would collectively serve as the foundation for the proposed Brass Oil and Gas City in Bayelsa State.

“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) remains fully committed to supporting the Brass Projects through policy facilitation, regulatory coordination, and stakeholder engagement,” Ekpo said.

He added, “We are focused on ensuring that frameworks such as gas supply and offtake agreements, licensing, and infrastructure integration are streamlined and bankable.”

Ekpo urged participants to concentrate on actionable outcomes, defining clear responsibilities, closing gaps, and creating a roadmap to achieve financial close and project execution.

Economic and Community Impact

The minister stressed that the successful execution of the Brass Projects would advance Nigeria’s gas industrialisation agenda while delivering tangible benefits to the Niger Delta region, including job creation, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.

He commended the collaboration among key stakeholders — Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., Renaissance Joint Venture, Afreximbank, and other financiers — for their commitment to bringing the project to fruition.

All principal partners, including NNPC Ltd., Renaissance JV, Bayelsa State Government, host communities, Trafigura (offtaker), and the EPC contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), reaffirmed their dedication to collaborative progress, financial close, and timely project execution.

State Government Support

Representing Governor Douye Diri, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, highlighted the state government’s commitment to providing a peaceful and investor-friendly environment for the projects. He noted that the initiative would create employment opportunities and stimulate socio-economic growth across Bayelsa State.

Private Sector Perspective

Chief Ben Okoye, Managing Director of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd., praised the Federal Government’s renewed drive, noting that the Brass Methanol and Gas Processing Plants will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, foster technology transfer, and stimulate ancillary industries in the Niger Delta.

He described the initiative as a model of productive partnership between government, private investors, and host communities, urging all parties to remain committed to achieving early project completion.