Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
ABUJA, Jan. 30 -- Portugal has joined Russia, China, and India in seeking to cooperate with Nigeria in tapping into that African country's gas potential as it seeks to ramp up domestic gas utilization as a priority and develop export projects.
Following a meeting of Nigeria's Gas Minister Odusina Olatunde Emmanuel and Portugal Ambassador Maria De Fatima Perestrello, Emmanuel said there was sufficient gas in the country to meet both commitments, and gas for power generation is high on its agenda.
Perestrello assured Emmanuel that it was possible to combine gas development with environmental protection. Portugal is seeking a "very close relationship" with Nigeria, a statement from the minister said.
Under a Niger Delta Development Plan, which aims to resolve the problems that have plagued the region and led to outbreaks of violence and unrest, the government is "working hard" to restore peace in the Niger Delta "very soon," Emmanuel said.
Nigeria's zero gas flaring target, which has been continuously postponed, could be achieved by December 2008, he said, and he was optimistic that all stakeholders would comply with the mandate this time.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
