Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing critical national assets, including the operations of Nigeria LNG Limited and other key energy infrastructure across the country.
The minister stated this while receiving the executive leadership of Nigeria LNG Limited during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting focused on strengthening security collaboration aimed at protecting vital energy infrastructure, sustaining economic stability, and supporting NLNG’s ongoing capacity expansion projects.
General Musa said Nigeria’s energy security remains a major national priority stressing that closer collaboration between stakeholders remains the best approach to addressing existing operational challenges.
According to him, Nigeria needs gas, adding that sustained cooperation is necessary to resolve active bottlenecks affecting the sector.
The Defence Minister also disclosed that the Federal Government has established a dedicated Maritime Task Force operating within the Gulf of Guinea to address insecurity in the maritime domain.
He called for collective efforts in tackling identified constraints affecting operations within the sector.
General Musa further revealed that Nigeria is increasingly looking inward in defence production due to the global slowdown in international arms procurement.
He said the country is building local defence production capacity as a long term and sustainable solution to security challenges.
“I assure you that we are together, and we are going to give you all the support that you need,” the Minister stated.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited, Leye Falade, commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their continued role in protecting critical national infrastructure.
He said the support provided by the military remains vital to the country’s economic growth and energy stability noting that as a joint venture with majority government ownership, disruptions to NLNG operations directly affect the upstream supply chain and national output.
He also highlighted the growing domestic demand for clean cooking alternatives, saying the company is working to address the challenge.
“The military has significantly stepped up to help us continue serving the nation and as one of Nigeria’s highest tax-paying organizations, we want to do even more for the economy.
“We are currently expanding our capacity by 35 percent through our Train 7 project, and safeguarding these operations is paramount to balancing the expectations of our shareholders with our national mandate,” Mr Falade explained
He particularly praised the Nigerian Navy for its role in ensuring maritime safety and security stressing that the Armed Forces remain indispensable in protecting Nigeria’s economic value chain.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to strengthen operational synergy to ensure that NLNG’s expansion projects and ongoing operations remain secure and resilient in support of Nigeria’s economic growth.
Teddy Daniel
