Federal Government Commends Lee Engineering, NNPC, and Others for Meeting ELPS Project Timelines

Ekpo says compressor to raise gas pressure for power generation, industries

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government praised Lee Engineering & Construction Company Limited, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and other parties involved in the Escravos‑Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) Midline Compressor Project for staying on schedule.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, delivered the commendation while inspecting the ELPS Midline Compressor Stations at Ologbo and Okada in Edo State. He expressed satisfaction with the work pace and urged all stakeholders to maintain momentum toward the project’s successful completion and commissioning.

Accompanied by NNPC Limited’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, and Lee Engineering & Construction Company Limited’s Chairman, Chief Leemon Ikpea, Ekpo noted that the project remains central to the government’s effort to expand critical gas infrastructure and deepen domestic gas utilisation.

On his X handle yesterday, the minister emphasized that strategic investments in gas transportation infrastructure are essential for unlocking economic growth, enhancing energy security, and supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

“Ekpo expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded and commended NNPC Limited, Lee Engineering and all project stakeholders for maintaining the project’s delivery timeline. He urged them to sustain the current momentum to ensure the successful completion and commissioning of the facilities as scheduled.”

“The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, noting that strategic investments in gas transportation infrastructure are critical to unlocking economic growth, enhancing energy security and deepening domestic gas utilisation,” he said.

According to the minister, completing the ELPS Midline Compressor Stations will markedly raise gas pressure along the Escravos‑Lagos Pipeline System, thereby increasing the volume of gas delivered to industries, commercial users and power generation plants across Lagos and other parts of western Nigeria.

He added that the project would improve the reliability of gas supply to critical sectors of the economy while supporting the government’s goal of ensuring adequate gas availability for domestic consumption.

Ekpo reiterated his confidence in those managing the project despite its technical complexity, urging them to sustain the current pace until the facilities are finished and commissioned.

The minister highlighted the federal government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, describing it as a key pillar for achieving sustainable economic growth and strengthening the country’s energy security.

The ELPS Midline Compressor Project is a major upgrade to Nigeria’s domestic gas