NCDMB and Starzs Gas Drive Industrialization with Groundbreaking Ceremony for Integrated CNG Project

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Starzs Gas Limited have expressed optimism about the growth of Nigeria’s gas subsector and its potential to accelerate industrialization. This enthusiasm was evident at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station, held on Thursday in Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, commended Starzs Investments Company Limited—the parent company of Starzs Gas—for its expansion into the gas subsector. He praised the company for pushing industry boundaries and contributing to economic growth.

Engr. Ogbe highlighted the extensive scope of Starzs Gas Limited, which spans natural gas compression, CNG fueling and refueling stations, conversion workshops and training centers, motorized CNG tube skids for distribution, as well as engineering, construction, and procurement solutions. He described the company as a critical driver of industrialization and economic expansion in Nigeria.

He further expressed excitement over the multimillion-dollar Integrated CNG Project, which is scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026. He emphasized that its launch aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, with NCDMB actively supporting multiple gas development and utilization projects nationwide.

Highlighting NCDMB’s progress in implementing its core mandate, Engr. Ogbe revealed that local content in the oil and gas industry had surged from a mere 5% in 2010—when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act came into effect—to 56% in the last quarter of 2023. He noted that increasing Nigerian assets and resources are being leveraged in the country’s oil and gas operations.

Engr. Ogbe also urged the host community, Iwhreken, to collaborate with Starzs Gas Limited to ensure mutual benefits and uninterrupted production activities. He acknowledged the presence of Hon. Francis Waive, the House of Representatives member for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, stating that his enthusiasm could support NCDMB’s sustainability program for safeguarding the company’s facilities.

A Transformational Shift for Starzs Group

The Chairman and CEO of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, described the establishment of Starzs Gas Limited as a “generational shift” for the Starzs Group—a conglomerate known for its focus on the maritime industry through companies like Starzs Marine and Engineering Services Limited, Starzs Shipyard Limited, and Starzs Investments Company Limited.

He credited his daughter, Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun, for persistently advocating for the group to venture into gas utilization, aligning with global efforts to eliminate gas flaring and reduce carbon footprints. He acknowledged that her vision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s policies on gas utilization, prompting his decision to provide the necessary material support for the company’s establishment.

Starzs Gas Limited now focuses on industrial gas applications, gas-to-power solutions, and gas as an automotive fuel. Additionally, the company engages in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects within the gas subsector.

In recognition of her leadership in conceptualizing and executing the new business, Mr. Ogbeifun announced the immediate promotion of Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun to Vice Chairman of the Starzs Group. He praised her energy and drive in shaping the company’s future.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support

In her welcome address, Miss Ogbeifun, the Managing Director of Starzs Gas, expressed profound gratitude to the esteemed guests at the ceremony. Among them were top executives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of ND Western, Engr. Olanrewaju Kalejaiye (represented by the company’s Commercial Manager, Engr. Sunday Okunbor), Rt. Rev. Feb Idahosa, Hon. Francis Waive, the Council of Chiefs of the host community, and the President of the Nigerian Gas Association, Engr. Aka Nwokedi.

Miss Ogbeifun described the ceremony as “not just groundbreaking, but a step towards cleaner energy and economic development for the host community.” She highlighted that NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) holds a 15% equity stake in the project, assuring that Starzs Gas would leverage NNPCL’s expertise and strategic partnership to drive industrial development.

She reaffirmed that the Integrated Gas Project would play a crucial role in achieving the objectives outlined in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative.

Stakeholders Endorse the Project

Delivering a goodwill message, Hon. Francis Waive emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “This is my place, my community, my constituency.” He encouraged the host community to collaborate with Starzs Gas Limited, noting that sustainable development would only be possible through peaceful engagement and cooperation.

Also speaking at the event, ND Western’s CEO, Engr. Kalejaiye, lauded Starzs Group’s initiative, emphasizing that “Gas is not just fuel but an enabler of economic prosperity.” He stressed the project’s importance in diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and called for deeper collaboration between policymakers, producers, and other key stakeholders.

Engr. Nwokedi, President of the Nigerian Gas Association, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the project would contribute to reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic growth. He praised the collaboration between NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited and Starzs Gas, as well as the commitment of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, to advancing the gas subsector.

In another goodwill message, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, His Royal Highness Justin Ezeala, described the project as a timely response to the Federal Government’s call for private sector investments in gas infrastructure. Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekpo, and NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, HRH Ezeala affirmed the government’s strong belief in Starzs’ vision. He reassured stakeholders that both legislative and policy frameworks were being strengthened to support such initiatives.

Project Overview and Future Expansion

Starzs Gas Limited is constructing a CNG Compression Station adjacent to the massive NAZ 3 Gas Plant in Utorogu, Delta State. The facility is initially designed with a capacity of two million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), with plans to scale up to five mmscfd within 18 months. The long-term vision includes expanding operations from CNG to domestic LNG production.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more industrialized Nigeria, with Starzs Gas Limited positioned at the forefront of this transformation.