The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has commended some Chinese investors for the newly established first-ever Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate Plant, situated in the Ondo–Linyi Industrial Hub, Ondo State, as a notable achievement in Nigeria’s drive toward gas-powered industrialization, employment creation, and sustainable economic expansion.
The management of the bicarbonate plant welcomed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for inspection of the facility, during which he assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s relentless effort to transform the country’s natural gas into a catalyst for national growth.
He further commended the investor for the resourceful project, noting that the project would enhance local production of chemicals and fertilizers.
According to Ekpo, the plant shows the practical implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrialization through gas utilization, private-sector investment, and value addition across key economic sectors.
“This project is more than just the development of a processing facility—it is the realization of a national aspiration to turn Nigeria’s gas wealth into tangible economic gains,” he stated.
The facility, designed to produce 100,000 metric tons of methanol and 160,000 metric tons of ammonium bicarbonate annually, is the first of its kind in Nigeria. In his remarks, Ekpo noted that the plant symbolizes a milestone in the growth of Nigeria’s downstream gas sector and will create new opportunities in the manufacture of fertilizers, chemicals, and other key industrial raw materials vital to both industry and agriculture.
He also attributed the relocation of the entire plant from China to Nigeria to the technical expertise and tenacity of the project partners.
“President Tinubu will be happy to see this level of investment in our natural gas sector,” Ekpo remarked. He said the federal government would support efforts to expand production from the current 100,000 metric tons to an estimated 500,000 metric tons in 2026.
The minister applauded Supertech Chemical Industries Limited and its Chinese partners for their faith in Nigeria’s investment environment, emphasizing that the project confirms government reforms in the gas and industrial sectors.
Ekpo affirmed that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen policy frameworks to encourage investments across the entire gas value chain—production, processing, distribution, and export.
“As we move toward the commissioning stage, I urge all stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence,” he said.
The minister also commended Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for creating a conducive environment that made the investment successful, noting that the collaboration between the state government and Chinese investors aligns with the federal government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
Chairman of Supertech Chemical Industry Limited, Mr. Yang Jijiang, pledged the company’s unwavering support towards Nigeria’s gas industrialization and energy transition agenda through sustained investment, job provision, and technology transfer.
He confirmed that the company has successfully established production lines capable of producing 100,000 tons of methanol and 160,000 tons of ammonium bicarbonate annually.
“This achievement reflects the power of partnership and our shared determination to unlock Nigeria’s vast gas resources for sustainable industrial growth,” Yang said.
Principal Consultant to the Ondo–Linyi Industrial Hub, Dr. Alexander Ajipe, described the minister’s visit as a major morale booster for investors, stating that the project signifies a turning point for Nigeria.
“We are now producing fertilizers and methanol here. It means we will no longer rely on importation,” Ajipe stated.
