Years after his administration championed the establishment of liquefied natural gas business in Nigeria, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, recently paid a historic visit to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State.The elder statesman, who arrived the Island on helicopter at about 9.05 am, was received by top officials of the NLNG, including Chairman of the Board, Dr. O.R LongJohn; the Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa; his deputy, Mr. Basheer Koko, board member Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, and others.In his welcome address, the Managing Director of NLNG, Babs Omotowa, thanked the former leader for finding time to visit the plant, having set the tone for the establishment of the business. He informed that Bonny Island has made tremendous progress from being an outpost for export of crude oil since the 60s.'We are only too happy to show how NLNG has grown from so many botched attempts into the single largest private sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa, it is not a day for long speec; it is therefore my honour and privileged to warmly welcome General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic; thank you for honouring us with your presence.'Responding, General Gowon, who was conducted round the 13-year-old facility by the Production Manager, Chima Isilebo, commended the team for the level of professionalism exhibited over the years in keeping the business alive.During his time, as Head of State, Gowon devoted almost two decades to the work of establishing LNG business in Nigeria. His first attempts at getting the business up and running in the 1960s failed, while the second in 1970s, which would have witnessed the signing of agreement between Nigeria and other investors to build the plant in 1975 was stalled by the military coup that year, which forced Gowon and his men out of office.'Those were a period of anxious and exacting labours ' a period of difficulty and delay and disappointments ' of hopes deferred. I need to say that I am glad that the seeds we sowed in the 1960s and 1970s have germinated and sprung into a very successful business.'While expressing satisfaction with the performance of NLNG over the years, the former leader hailed the idea of making the company a truly Nigerian business. With 100 percent Nigeria Management team and 94 percent Nigerian, Gowon is confident that Nigerianisation, as an aspiration, can be achieved when handled professionally.Nigeria started commercial oil export in 1957 but only produced its first LNG 42 years after, in 1999. In just 13 years, Nigeria LNG Limited has brought in over $51 billion in revenue, delivered $9 billion dividends to Nigeria and paid $10 billion to the Joint Venture companies.According to General Gowon, based on the available data, the Nigeria LNG project would have earned $130 billion over the 35 years of inactivity. 'It is therefore very disheartening if one stops for a moment and thinks about how different this country would have been if we had the benefit of an LNG plant since the 1960s. While such income would have been channeled towards roads construction, provision of basic amenities such as education and health, the business would have created jobs for young Nigerians, who are currently roaming the streets in search of job'.Though satisfied with the achievements of NLNG, the former Head of State frowned at the rate at which Nigeria is fast losing its leadership in LNG market, urging the federal government to intervene urgently.He recalled that some years back, Nigeria LNG Limited was about the fastest growing LNG plant in the world, 'but in the past five years, countries such as Qatar has moved from 20 to 80 million tonnes range, whilst Australia has made final investment decision to build LNG projects up to 80 million tonnes'.He continued that, aside the fact that most countries that started out with Nigeria in the LNG business have made tremendous progress, other African nations such as Mozambique and Tanzania will soon be joining the gas producers with the export of LNG.'According to experts, all the LNG projects on the drawing board in Nigeria (NLNG Train 7, Brass LNG, OKLNG) will add about 30million tonnes of LNG to our national output, which is not that much when we compare with Australia which has only 60% of our reserves but effectively generates much higher domestic electricity and will soon be exporting much more LNG than the all the LNG companies in Nigeria combined.'We can't afford to sit on the fence any longer. The time to build Train Seven is now! Nigeria LNG Limited has become too much of a good example to be allowed to fail; too much of a national beacon to be allowed to stumble; too much of a winning model to switch midstream. I have in private discussions with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited been assured that Train Seven will provide no fewer than 10,000 construction jobs; will attract over $8 billion in Direct Foreign Investment with its strong balance sheet; and will increase monetisation of gas resources, otherwise still being flared.'IN his separate demand, former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, urged President Jonathan to approve the Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project. Shonekan made the request during his earlier visit to the NLNG Plant, where he saw first hand the level of achievements made by the company in growing the Nigerian economy.The former Head of Interim National Government (ING), who also played vital role in the setup of the plant, informed that the country is losing its leadership position in the LNG market to countries such as Australia and the United States.'This is why I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately order the acceleration of these gas projects in the interest of this country. Train Seven is a low hanging fruit. I urge the government to immediately pursue that.'The elder statesman added that, 'From the stand point of employment generation: Train 7 will provide about 10,000 jobs for Nigerians, and particularly the youths in the Niger Delta. Since it opened shop in Bonny, Nigeria LNG Limited has provided more than 2,000 jobs each construction year and 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction. The sequential nature of the project ensures that labour force is retained over the years.'The LNG market is tightening and other nations are not staying idle. For instance, the United States, formerly a major LNG export destination, will become a net LNG exporter by 2016, starting at 1.1 billion cubic feet per day and rising to 2.2 bcf/d in 2019. On the other hand, Nigeria LNG's 6-train facility has a capacity for 22mtpa on LNG and up to 5mtpa of Natural Gas Liquids (NGL).' stated the ex-Interim leader.He concluded, 'Though the company has rapidly grown from its well-earned reputation as the world's fastest growing LNG plant to a stable production, sending one cargo of LNG everyday down Bonny River to buyers all over the world, accounting for eight percent of global LNG supplies, establishment of Train 7 will surely help NLNG compete favourably in the international market'.Years after his administration championed the establishment of liquefied natural gas business in Nigeria, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, recently paid a historic visit to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State.The elder statesman, who arrived the Island on helicopter at about 9.05 am, was received by top officials of the NLNG, including Chairman of the Board, Dr. O.R LongJohn; the Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa; his deputy, Mr. Basheer Koko, board member Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, and others.In his welcome address, the Managing Director of NLNG, Babs Omotowa, thanked the former leader for finding time to visit the plant, having set the tone for the establishment of the business. He informed that Bonny Island has made tremendous progress from being an outpost for export of crude oil since the 60s.'We are only too happy to show how NLNG has grown from so many botched attempts into the single largest private sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa, it is not a day for long speec; it is therefore my honour and privileged to warmly welcome General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic; thank you for honouring us with your presence.'Responding, General Gowon, who was conducted round the 13-year-old facility by the Production Manager, Chima Isilebo, commended the team for the level of professionalism exhibited over the years in keeping the business alive.During his time, as Head of State, Gowon devoted almost two decades to the work of establishing LNG business in Nigeria. His first attempts at getting the business up and running in the 1960s failed, while the second in 1970s, which would have witnessed the signing of agreement between Nigeria and other investors to build the plant in 1975 was stalled by the military coup that year, which forced Gowon and his men out of office.'Those were a period of anxious and exacting labours ' a period of difficulty and delay and disappointments ' of hopes deferred. I need to say that I am glad that the seeds we sowed in the 1960s and 1970s have germinated and sprung into a very successful business.'While expressing satisfaction with the performance of NLNG over the years, the former leader hailed the idea of making the company a truly Nigerian business. With 100 percent Nigeria Management team and 94 percent Nigerian, Gowon is confident that Nigerianisation, as an aspiration, can be achieved when handled professionally.Nigeria started commercial oil export in 1957 but only produced its first LNG 42 years after, in 1999. In just 13 years, Nigeria LNG Limited has brought in over $51 billion in revenue, delivered $9 billion dividends to Nigeria and paid $10 billion to the Joint Venture companies.According to General Gowon, based on the available data, the Nigeria LNG project would have earned $130 billion over the 35 years of inactivity. 'It is therefore very disheartening if one stops for a moment and thinks about how different this country would have been if we had the benefit of an LNG plant since the 1960s. While such income would have been channeled towards roads construction, provision of basic amenities such as education and health, the business would have created jobs for young Nigerians, who are currently roaming the streets in search of job'.Though satisfied with the achievements of NLNG, the former Head of State frowned at the rate at which Nigeria is fast losing its leadership in LNG market, urging the federal government to intervene urgently.He recalled that some years back, Nigeria LNG Limited was about the fastest growing LNG plant in the world, 'but in the past five years, countries such as Qatar has moved from 20 to 80 million tonnes range, whilst Australia has made final investment decision to build LNG projects up to 80 million tonnes'.He continued that, aside the fact that most countries that started out with Nigeria in the LNG business have made tremendous progress, other African nations such as Mozambique and Tanzania will soon be joining the gas producers with the export of LNG.'According to experts, all the LNG projects on the drawing board in Nigeria (NLNG Train 7, Brass LNG, OKLNG) will add about 30million tonnes of LNG to our national output, which is not that much when we compare with Australia which has only 60% of our reserves but effectively generates much higher domestic electricity and will soon be exporting much more LNG than the all the LNG companies in Nigeria combined.'We can't afford to sit on the fence any longer. The time to build Train Seven is now! Nigeria LNG Limited has become too much of a good example to be allowed to fail; too much of a national beacon to be allowed to stumble; too much of a winning model to switch midstream. I have in private discussions with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited been assured that Train Seven will provide no fewer than 10,000 construction jobs; will attract over $8 billion in Direct Foreign Investment with its strong balance sheet; and will increase monetisation of gas resources, otherwise still being flared.'IN his separate demand, former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, urged President Jonathan to approve the Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project. Shonekan made the request during his earlier visit to the NLNG Plant, where he saw first hand the level of achievements made by the company in growing the Nigerian economy.The former Head of Interim National Government (ING), who also played vital role in the setup of the plant, informed that the country is losing its leadership position in the LNG market to countries such as Australia and the United States.'This is why I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately order the acceleration of these gas projects in the interest of this country. Train Seven is a low hanging fruit. I urge the government to immediately pursue that.'The elder statesman added that, 'From the stand point of employment generation: Train 7 will provide about 10,000 jobs for Nigerians, and particularly the youths in the Niger Delta. Since it opened shop in Bonny, Nigeria LNG Limited has provided more than 2,000 jobs each construction year and 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction. The sequential nature of the project ensures that labour force is retained over the years.'The LNG market is tightening and other nations are not staying idle. For instance, the United States, formerly a major LNG export destination, will become a net LNG exporter by 2016, starting at 1.1 billion cubic feet per day and rising to 2.2 bcf/d in 2019. On the other hand, Nigeria LNG's 6-train facility has a capacity for 22mtpa on LNG and up to 5mtpa of Natural Gas Liquids (NGL).' stated the ex-Interim leader.He concluded, 'Though the company has rapidly grown from its well-earned reputation as the world's fastest growing LNG plant to a stable production, sending one cargo of LNG everyday down Bonny River to buyers all over the world, accounting for eight percent of global LNG supplies, establishment of Train 7 will surely help NLNG compete favourably in the international market'.Years after his administration championed the establishment of liquefied natural gas business in Nigeria, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, recently paid a historic visit to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State.The elder statesman, who arrived the Island on helicopter at about 9.05 am, was received by top officials of the NLNG, including Chairman of the Board, Dr. O.R LongJohn; the Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa; his deputy, Mr. Basheer Koko, board member Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, and others.In his welcome address, the Managing Director of NLNG, Babs Omotowa, thanked the former leader for finding time to visit the plant, having set the tone for the establishment of the business. He informed that Bonny Island has made tremendous progress from being an outpost for export of crude oil since the 60s.'We are only too happy to show how NLNG has grown from so many botched attempts into the single largest private sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa, it is not a day for long speec; it is therefore my honour and privileged to warmly welcome General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic; thank you for honouring us with your presence.'Responding, General Gowon, who was conducted round the 13-year-old facility by the Production Manager, Chima Isilebo, commended the team for the level of professionalism exhibited over the years in keeping the business alive.During his time, as Head of State, Gowon devoted almost two decades to the work of establishing LNG business in Nigeria. His first attempts at getting the business up and running in the 1960s failed, while the second in 1970s, which would have witnessed the signing of agreement between Nigeria and other investors to build the plant in 1975 was stalled by the military coup that year, which forced Gowon and his men out of office.'Those were a period of anxious and exacting labours ' a period of difficulty and delay and disappointments ' of hopes deferred. I need to say that I am glad that the seeds we sowed in the 1960s and 1970s have germinated and sprung into a very successful business.'While expressing satisfaction with the performance of NLNG over the years, the former leader hailed the idea of making the company a truly Nigerian business. With 100 percent Nigeria Management team and 94 percent Nigerian, Gowon is confident that Nigerianisation, as an aspiration, can be achieved when handled professionally.Nigeria started commercial oil export in 1957 but only produced its first LNG 42 years after, in 1999. In just 13 years, Nigeria LNG Limited has brought in over $51 billion in revenue, delivered $9 billion dividends to Nigeria and paid $10 billion to the Joint Venture companies.According to General Gowon, based on the available data, the Nigeria LNG project would have earned $130 billion over the 35 years of inactivity. 'It is therefore very disheartening if one stops for a moment and thinks about how different this country would have been if we had the benefit of an LNG plant since the 1960s. While such income would have been channeled towards roads construction, provision of basic amenities such as education and health, the business would have created jobs for young Nigerians, who are currently roaming the streets in search of job'.Though satisfied with the achievements of NLNG, the former Head of State frowned at the rate at which Nigeria is fast losing its leadership in LNG market, urging the federal government to intervene urgently.He recalled that some years back, Nigeria LNG Limited was about the fastest growing LNG plant in the world, 'but in the past five years, countries such as Qatar has moved from 20 to 80 million tonnes range, whilst Australia has made final investment decision to build LNG projects up to 80 million tonnes'.He continued that, aside the fact that most countries that started out with Nigeria in the LNG business have made tremendous progress, other African nations such as Mozambique and Tanzania will soon be joining the gas producers with the export of LNG.'According to experts, all the LNG projects on the drawing board in Nigeria (NLNG Train 7, Brass LNG, OKLNG) will add about 30million tonnes of LNG to our national output, which is not that much when we compare with Australia which has only 60% of our reserves but effectively generates much higher domestic electricity and will soon be exporting much more LNG than the all the LNG companies in Nigeria combined.'We can't afford to sit on the fence any longer. The time to build Train Seven is now! Nigeria LNG Limited has become too much of a good example to be allowed to fail; too much of a national beacon to be allowed to stumble; too much of a winning model to switch midstream. I have in private discussions with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited been assured that Train Seven will provide no fewer than 10,000 construction jobs; will attract over $8 billion in Direct Foreign Investment with its strong balance sheet; and will increase monetisation of gas resources, otherwise still being flared.'IN his separate demand, former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, urged President Jonathan to approve the Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project. Shonekan made the request during his earlier visit to the NLNG Plant, where he saw first hand the level of achievements made by the company in growing the Nigerian economy.The former Head of Interim National Government (ING), who also played vital role in the setup of the plant, informed that the country is losing its leadership position in the LNG market to countries such as Australia and the United States.'This is why I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately order the acceleration of these gas projects in the interest of this country. Train Seven is a low hanging fruit. I urge the government to immediately pursue that.'The elder statesman added that, 'From the stand point of employment generation: Train 7 will provide about 10,000 jobs for Nigerians, and particularly the youths in the Niger Delta. Since it opened shop in Bonny, Nigeria LNG Limited has provided more than 2,000 jobs each construction year and 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction. The sequential nature of the project ensures that labour force is retained over the years.'The LNG market is tightening and other nations are not staying idle. For instance, the United States, formerly a major LNG export destination, will become a net LNG exporter by 2016, starting at 1.1 billion cubic feet per day and rising to 2.2 bcf/d in 2019. On the other hand, Nigeria LNG's 6-train facility has a capacity for 22mtpa on LNG and up to 5mtpa of Natural Gas Liquids (NGL).' stated the ex-Interim leader.He concluded, 'Though the company has rapidly grown from its well-earned reputation as the world's fastest growing LNG plant to a stable production, sending one cargo of LNG everyday down Bonny River to buyers all over the world, accounting for eight percent of global LNG supplies, establishment of Train 7 will surely help NLNG compete favourably in the international market'.
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