Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s full support for the Brass Methanol and Gas Projects, aimed at advancing Nigeria’s gas industrialisation and economic diversification.
Speaking at a two-day stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, Ekpo said the Brass Methanol Plant, Gas Processing Plant, and Brass Free Zone Infrastructure would form the foundation of 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 emphasized the need to streamline frameworks such as gas supply and offtake agreements, licensing, and infrastructure integration to make them bankable.
He urged participants to focus on actionable outcomes that will accelerate financial close and project take-off, highlighting the projects’ potential to generate jobs, improve infrastructure, and empower communities in the Niger Delta.
Ekpo commended the collaboration among NNPC Ltd., Renaissance Joint Venture, Afreximbank, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and other partners working to bring the projects to fruition.
Representing Governor Douye Diri, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment Ebieri Jones reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and investor-friendly environment for the projects’ execution.
Ben Okoye, Managing Director of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd., described the initiative as a model public-private partnership that will generate thousands of jobs, foster technology transfer, and stimulate industrial development across the Niger Delta.