Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo has assured of the security and safety of investments in the gas sector.
The minister stated this on Wednesday while hosting top officials of Shanghai Huayi Energy Chemical Company Group of China (HUAYI) and China Road and Bridge Corporation, who are strategic investors in Brass Methanol and Gas Hub Project in Bayelsa State.
Ekpo who spoke against the backdrop of political risks and security often nursed by prospective foreign investors to Nigeria, described the Brass project as one critical project of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
According to the minister, Nigeria is open for investments and investors, particularly in the gas sector need entertain no fear.
“The Federal Government is committed to developing Nigeria’s gas reserves through projects such as the Brass Methanol project which presents an opportunity for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy,” Ekpo said.
“It is for this and other reasons that the project has been accorded the significant concessions (or support) that it enjoys from government. Let me therefore assure you of the strong commitment of our government to the security and safety of yours and other investments as we have continually done for similar Chinese investments in Nigeria through the years,” he added.
Ekpo tasked investors and contractors working on the project to double their efforts saying “I want to see this project running for the good of Nigeria and its investors.”
Leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Zheng Bi Jun said the visit to the country was to carry out feasibility studies for investments in methanol projects.
On his part, the Managing Director of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Ltd, Mr. Ben Okoye expressed the optimism of partnering with genuine investors on the project.