The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has hailed the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever methanol and ammonium bicarbonate factory in Ondo State as a major step toward achieving the nation’s gas-based industrialization agenda. The facility, established by Chinese company SuperTech, represents a significant milestone in converting Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources into tangible prosperity.
The SuperTech Methanol & Ammonium Bicarbonate Plant, located within the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub at Omotosho in Okitipupa local government area, currently produces 100,000 metric tons of methanol and 160,000 metric tons of ammonium bicarbonate annually, with expansion targets set to reach 500,000 metric tons by 2026.
Minister Ekpo, who led a team from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on an inspection visit, expressed delight at the scale of private-sector investment. “I am impressed with what Supertech has done here in Ondo State. They are taking advantage of our natural gas resources to produce methanol and ammonium bicarbonate, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. The federal government will provide all necessary support to ensure this project grows and thrives,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which envisions gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s economic transformation, job creation, and industrial expansion. By creating a sustainable demand anchor for natural gas, the project will deepen domestic gas utilization, reduce imports, and enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in critical industrial products.
Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Lekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President for Gas Power and New Energy, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnerships that deliver tangible results. Chairman of Supertech Chemical Industry Limited, Mr. Yang Jijiang, described the successful completion of the project as “a dream come true” and a product of strong partnership between China and Nigeria.
Source: thisdaylive.com