FG: Nigeria’s first methanol, ammonium plant in Ondo will boost local chemical, fertilizer production

— Tinubu Happy With Take-off

— Production to Rise From 100,000 to 500,000 Metric Tons in 2026

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Federal Government has described the Supertech Methanol and Ammonium Bicarbonate Plant located in the Ondo–Linyi Industrial Hub, Ondo State, as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for gas-driven industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this during an official inspection of the facility, reaffirming the government’s commitment to converting Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources into engines of national prosperity.

Ekpo praised the establishment of the first-ever methanol and ammonium bicarbonate plant in Nigeria, built by a Chinese investor, noting that the project would significantly boost local production of chemicals and fertilizers.

According to him, the plant reflects 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 said.

The facility, with an annual capacity of 100,000 metric tons of methanol and 160,000 metric tons of ammonium bicarbonate, is the first of its kind in the country. Ekpo said the plant marks a historic expansion of Nigeria’s downstream gas value chain and will unlock new opportunities in the production of fertilizers, chemicals, and industrial raw materials essential for manufacturing and agriculture.

He also noted that relocating the entire plant from China to Nigeria, along with achieving 100 percent mechanical completion by March 2025, demonstrates the technical competence and resilience 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 commended Supertech Chemical Industries Limited and its Chinese partners for their confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment, saying the project validates government reforms in the gas and industrial sectors.

Ekpo assured that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen policy frameworks to encourage investments across the entire gas value chain—production, processing, distribution, and export.

He added that the project will deepen domestic gas utilization, stimulate value addition, encourage technology transfer, and attract more industries to the Ondo–Linyi Industrial Hub.

“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 praised Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing the enabling environment that made the investment possible, noting that the partnership between the state and Chinese investors aligns with the federal drive to attract foreign direct investment.

Supertech Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Industrial Growth

Chairman of Supertech Chemical Industry Limited, Mr. Yang Jijiang, said the company remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas industrialization and energy transition agenda through sustained investment, job creation, 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.

Local Production to Reduce Import Dependence

Principal Consultant to the Ondo–Linyi Industrial Hub, Dr. Alexander Ajipe, described the minister’s visit as a major morale booster for investors.

He noted 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 said.

The post FG: Nigeria’s first methanol, ammonium plant in Ondo will boost local chemical, fertilizer production appeared first on Vanguard News.