The Nigerian Government has restated its commitment to advancing the Brass Gas Projects as part of ongoing efforts to industrialise Nigeria through increased gas utilisation and value addition.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, during a two-day All-Party Stakeholders Workshop on the Brass Projects.
According to him, the projects, comprising the Brass Methanol Plant, Gas Processing Plant, and the Brass Free Zone Infrastructure, will collectively serve as the foundation for the proposed Brass Oil and Gas City in Bayelsa State.
Brass Projects Key to Nigeria’s Gas Industrialisation Agenda
Dr Ekpo reaffirmed that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) remains fully committed to facilitating the timely realisation of the Brass initiatives through policy coordination, regulatory alignment, and strategic stakeholder engagement.
“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) remains fully committed to supporting the Brass Projects through policy facilitation, regulatory coordination and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
“We are particularly focused on ensuring that frameworks such as gas supply and offtake agreements, licensing and infrastructure integration are streamlined and bankable.”
He urged participants at the workshop to focus on actionable outcomes, clearly define responsibilities, close operational gaps, and develop a roadmap that will lead to financial close and project take-off.
Economic and Social Benefits for the Niger Delta
The Minister noted that the successful delivery of the Brass Projects would not only advance Nigeria’s gas industrialisation agenda but also unlock significant economic and social benefits for the Niger Delta region.
“These projects will deliver tangible dividends to host communities through job creation, infrastructure development and empowerment opportunities,” Ekpo stated.
He commended the sustained collaboration among key partners, Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Renaissance Joint Venture, Afreximbank and other financiers, noting that such synergy is critical to achieving project realisation.
Stakeholders Reaffirm Support
Key stakeholders, including NNPC Ltd., Renaissance JV, the Bayelsa State Government, host communities, Trafigura (product offtaker), the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the Brass Gas Projects.
They pledged to sustain collaboration and ensure the project reaches financial close and is executed on time.
Representing Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, expressed the state government’s full support for the projects, assuring stakeholders of a peaceful and investor-friendly environment for implementation.
He highlighted the projects’ potential to create thousands of jobs and catalyse economic growth across Bayelsa State and the broader Niger Delta region.
Industry Leaders Commend FG’s Renewed Drive
Also speaking, Chief Ben Okoye, Managing Director of Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company Ltd., praised the Federal Government for its renewed commitment, noting that the Brass Methanol and Gas Processing Plants would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promote technology transfer, and spur the growth of ancillary industries.
He described the initiative as “a model of productive partnership between government, private investors and host communities,” urging all partners to remain focused on ensuring early completion.
The Brass Gas Projects are a cornerstone of Nigeria’s gas monetisation strategy, aimed at positioning the country as a regional hub for gas-based industries while driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta.