The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stated that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for its pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s economy.
Tunji-Ojo made the statement during a courtesy visit by the Executive Management team of NLNG, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, on Thursday.
He highlighted the importance of NLNG’s contributions, emphasizing the company’s transformation from a reliance on foreign workers to a proudly indigenous management team through strategic investments in local staff development.
“One key responsibility of the Ministry of Interior is to be an enabler of growth. The business permit, expatriate quota, all immigration activities, within the scope of what we are here to do, will enable growth.
“We don’t want to be a country that will be perpetually dependent on the skills and knowledge of foreigners. We want to be a country that will be able to build capacity to the point that we will also be able to export those capacities,” said Tunji-Ojo.
He further commended NLNG for its adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010, which encourages the use of local resources and personnel in the oil and gas industry.
“You are not the only government company, but you have been able to build the capacity of Nigeria and Nigerians. I appreciate your adherence to provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010. We want businesses to grow and also be done in accordance with the law, rules, and regulations. When rules are constantly violated, anarchy takes charge,” he noted.
Tunji-Ojo also expressed optimism about the upcoming LNG Train 7 expansion project, which is expected to boost processing capacity and create jobs.
“Your vision for expansion is now. When LNG Train 7 expansion comes on stream, it will boost processing capacity, a lot of jobs will be created, it will also increase your capacity by more than a third,” he said.
The Minister assured the NLNG team of his ministry’s support, emphasizing that the actualization of NLNG’s vision is crucial for Nigeria’s development.
“For that reason, take this to the bank, if you need our support here, we will be there for you. Our being here for you is not only for NLNG; it is being here for Nigerians,” he affirmed.
He also appealed to NLNG to consider supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps with training and equipment to enhance national security.
In response, Dr. Philip Mshelbila expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Ministry of Interior and reiterated NLNG’s commitment to fostering strong relations with the government.
He explained that the visit was to thank the Minister for the support received and to strengthen the collaboration between NLNG and the government.
NLNG, incorporated as a Limited Liability company on May 17, 1989, aims to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources and produce Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) for export.
