.A delegation from European Union to Nigeria, led by the EU Deputy Director General, Energy, Mr. Matthew Baldwin, said the EU member states have been dependent on a single source of gas supply but with the war between Ukraine and Russia, the gas has been weaponized hence they are seeking relationship with reliable partners like Nigeria.
By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
European Union, EU, says the supply of LNG gas has been in a tight spot following the Russia/ Ukraine war which started February 24, 2022.
A delegation from European Union to Nigeria, led by the EU Deputy Director General, Energy, Mr. Matthew Baldwin, during a press briefing in Abuja said the EU member states have been dependent on a single source of gas supply but with the war between Ukraine and Russia, the gas has been weaponized hence they are seeking relationship with reliable partners like Nigeria.
Mr Baldwin said EU’s interest in Nigeria’s oil is not just for transition but that they are building new partnerships that would enable Nigeria expand her existing gas utilisation capacity to around eighty percent as at the moment, the utilisation rate of Nigeria’s LNG is too low.
He noted that there is an extraordinary potential in the relationship and they are determined to deliver on them as gases are vital and they need a vital transition of fuel in the EU that will take them beyond 2045 especially as they no longer need Russian gas in their system which will be replaced with gas coming from Nigeria and other reliable partners.
According to him, they are on a fact finding visit and have met with stakeholders, including government functionaries, security and other relevant agencies who are also sharing ideas on how to get the best out of the partnership, adding that they have seen clear signs that Nigeria is committed to strengthening the security situation.
Mr Baldwin who said he witnessed the demolition of some illegal refineries in Bonny Island opined that the EU partnership with Nigeria will further eliminate illegal establishments that are detrimental and pollutant to the environment hence depriving government its due revenue.
The EU Deputy Director General on Energy, who said EU’s interest in Nigeria’s oil did not commence with the privatisation of NNPC disclosed talks will resume with Nigerian authorities in August to ascertain if the utilisation rate of the country’s gas has moved from where it is now or not.
