President Bola Tinubu has pledged to expand the use of Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, improve electricity supply, create jobs and increase export earnings.
Tinubu restated the commitment on Thursday while receiving Chief Leemon Ikpea, founder and chairman of Lee Engineering Group, at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting followed the indigenous engineering company’s construction of two compressor stations designed to help the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) operate at its full capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The President also renewed his administration’s commitment to the Nigeria First policy, urging international oil companies to give qualified Nigerian engineering and manufacturing firms greater access to major energy projects.
Tinubu Pushes Nigeria First in Gas Projects
Tinubu said the Nigeria First policy should lead to more contracts for capable local companies, increased use of locally manufactured equipment and more skilled employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He encouraged international oil companies operating in the country to strengthen partnerships with indigenous engineering firms that have demonstrated the ability to execute complex projects.
The President also highlighted executive orders and presidential directives introduced in 2024 to improve local content compliance, reduce contracting costs and shorten approval timelines.
According to the administration, these measures are intended to attract investment, limit delays and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Lee Engineering Builds Compressor Stations in Edo
Lee Engineering is handling the engineering, procurement and construction of two midline compressor stations in Edo State.
The stations form part of efforts to improve the performance of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System. Although the ELPS II expansion increased the pipeline’s designed capacity from 1.1 billion to 2.3 billion standard cubic feet daily, the new stations are needed to raise operating pressure and support delivery at that level.
The project is expected to improve gas transportation to power plants and industries along the pipeline corridor.
It could also support higher gas supplies to neighbouring West African countries through the West African Gas Pipeline, creating opportunities to increase export earnings.
Indigenous Firm Highlights Local Engineering Capacity
Speaking during the meeting, Ikpea praised the President’s Nigeria First policy and highlighted the role of local companies in delivering major energy infrastructure.
He disclosed that Lee Engineering’s fabrication yard in Warri, Delta State, is manufacturing some components for the compressor stations.
Ikpea said Nigerian engineering firms had invested in modern equipment, technology and skilled workers, positioning them to undertake complex engineering, procurement and construction projects previously handled by foreign contractors.
He added that greater participation by local firms could help retain jobs, technical expertise and more economic value within Nigeria.
The project reflects the government’s push to use the country’s gas resources and expand opportunities for domestic companies across the energy value chain.