Shell Nigeria Gas has announced the completion of the final phase of the Nigerian major’s 20 kilometres domestic gas pipeline expansion project in Abia State, Nigeria.

The pipeline is connecting Agbor Hill, Osisioma and Araria industrial zones. The pipeline will also enable the supply of gas to the Independent Power Project (IPP) consortium, Ariaria Market Energy Solution Limited which is the electricity provider to the Ariaria market in the state.

The Shell Natural gas with its partners and local stakeholders have agreements to build the infrastructure to deliver natural gas to over 150 industrial and commercial customers in the South West ( Ogun and Lagos states) and the Niger Delta (Abia, Rivers and Portharcourt) regions to drive industrialisation and to create employment for skilled and unskilled labour.

Commenting on the project, the Managing Director of NICEN Industries Limited, Christopher Eze said, “SNG has put life back into our industries in Aba through the provision of this natural gas line. This milestone will open up the state for an influx of investors thereby creating an enabling environment that will generate job opportunities for the youth of the State. I am sure that many industries in Aba will quickly take advantage of this great opportunity. Our company sincerely appreciates SNG for this great feat.”

Also reacting to the completion of the project is Masur Ahmed, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said, “MAN is proud of the role that Shell is playing in driving industrialisation in Nigeria through domestic gas supply. Industries and manufacturing plants play a key role in transforming the Nigerian economy and this project will connect many manufacturers in Abia State, one of the nation’s major industrial hubs, to pipeline gas, which is a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable source of energy.”

With over 37,000 shops and about one million traders, the Ariaria International Market is one of the biggest leather shoe-making and open stall markets in West Africa.