TINUBU CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF NIGERIA’S FIRST METHANOL FACTORY IN ONDO
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President Bola Tinubu has commended the initiation of full operations at the Indigenous Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate facility situated in Ondo State, characterizing it as a significant achievement in domestic chemical and fertilizer production within the nation.
The establishment, operated by the Chinese-owned SuperTech Chemical Industry Limited, is recognized as Nigeria’s inaugural indigenous Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate plant.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced this on Sunday during a site visit and evaluation of the SuperTech Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate Plant at the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub in Omotosho, within the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Ekpo, accompanied by senior representatives from NNPC Ltd and other principal industry stakeholders, remarked that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which envisages natural gas as a catalyst for industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable employment opportunities.
As per the Minister’s statements, the facility possesses the capability to generate 100,000 metric tons of methanol and 160,000 metric tons of ammonium bicarbonate annually, signifying a groundbreaking advancement for Nigeria’s gas-driven industrialization.
“Observing the extent of investment in this area is inspiring. They are capitalizing on our natural gas resources to manufacture methanol and ammonium bicarbonate.
“I have also urged the NNPC representatives present to ensure that upstream production optimally utilizes this methanol output to bolster and expand this enterprise.
“Mr. President is gratified that investors are harnessing our gas resources to enhance the economy. The Federal Government will extend all necessary support to escalate production from the current 100,000 metric tons to the anticipated 500,000 metric tons by 2026,” Ekpo stated.
He praised the complete relocation of the production facility from China to Nigeria and its full mechanical completion by March 2025, describing it as a testament to the determination and technical prowess of the project’s promoters.
“The transfer of this entire plant from China to Nigeria – and its comprehensive mechanical completion – underscores the resolve and technical expertise of the promoters. It exemplifies the potential outcomes when government policy aligns with private sector initiatives.
“This facility is not only the inaugural establishment of its kind in Nigeria but also a crucial enhancement to our downstream gas value chain, unlocking new avenues for chemicals, fertilizers, and industrial inputs essential to manufacturing and agriculture,” the minister further remarked.
During the inspection, Mr. Yang Jijiang, Chairman of SuperTech Chemical Industry, indicated that the project illustrates the company’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization and energy transition objectives.
Mr. Jijiang elucidated that since the commencement of operations, SuperTech has consistently achieved its daily and monthly production targets, reflecting a commitment to excellence and reliability.
He added that the plant is positioned as Nigeria’s pioneering methanol producer, utilizing advanced facilities and robust partnerships to satisfy local demands and stimulate industrial growth.
He concluded that the SuperTech Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate Plant is anticipated to play a critical role in Nigeria’s pursuit of gas-based industrialization, job creation, and export diversification.
“With substantial backing from the Federal Government and Ondo State Administration, NNPC Ltd, GACN, and NMDPRA, we have transformed our aspirations into reality,” he stated.
Mr. Jijiang emphasized that SuperTech takes pride in its role in generating employment, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and China.
Additionally, Dr. Alexander Ajipe, Principal Consultant to the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, praised the Minister’s visit as a significant encouragement for the Chinese investors.
“This initiative represents a notable success for Ondo State and Nigeria. We are now manufacturing fertilizer and methanol domestically, thereby diminishing our reliance on imports,” Ajipe remarked.
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