President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources, strengthening local engineering capacity, improving electricity generation and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country.
The President made this known while receiving the Founder and Chairman of Lee Engineering Group, Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea, CON, at the State House in Abuja.
The meeting highlighted the achievements of indigenous engineering company Lee Engineering, which is undertaking the construction of two compressor stations designed to enhance the operational capacity of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS).
The compressor stations, located in Edo State, will enable the pipeline to operate at its expanded capacity of 2.3 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, compared with its previous capacity of 1.1 billion.
President Tinubu emphasised that his administration’s Nigeria First policy remains central to promoting indigenous participation in major infrastructure and energy projects.
He urged international oil companies operating in Nigeria to prioritise qualified local engineering and manufacturing companies when awarding contracts, stressing the importance of strengthening domestic expertise and retaining economic benefits within the country.
According to the President, expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure will improve energy supply to industries and power plants while increasing opportunities for regional gas exports and foreign exchange earnings.
He further highlighted the administration’s 2024 executive orders aimed at strengthening local content compliance, reducing contracting costs and accelerating project approval processes.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ikpea commended the Federal Government’s commitment to indigenous businesses.
He disclosed that Lee Engineering’s fabrication facility in Warri, Delta State, is producing essential components for the compressor stations using advanced manufacturing technology.
The development underscores the growing capabilities of Nigerian engineering firms to execute complex energy projects, generate skilled employment and contribute significantly to national industrialisation and long-term economic growth.
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