In a significant stride towards industrializing Nigeria’s gas sector, Alpha Grip Management Company (AGMC), a subsidiary of the UAE-based Alpha Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd. (CNCEC) to develop, construct, and finance the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) in Delta State.
The formal signing of this partnership took place on January 15, 2025, at CNCEC’s headquarters in China, with Hon. Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), present to witness the historic moment. This development comes in the wake of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscored the importance of deepening economic collaborations between African nations and China.
The Ogidigben project is poised to transform Nigeria’s gas sector through large-scale infrastructure development, including power plants, fertilizer and petrochemical facilities, and aluminum smelters. It aims to leverage the nation’s abundant gas reserves, fostering industrialization, job creation, and economic growth. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs during both its construction and operational phases, serving as a cornerstone for President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
CNCEC President Li Zhenyu emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance in CNCEC’s global expansion plans, noting the company’s previous successful ventures in Nigeria, such as the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery Complex. “Nigeria remains a priority market for CNCEC, and we are fully committed to contributing to its economic growth and industrialization,” Zhenyu stated during the signing ceremony.
Hon. Joseph Tegbe echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the Nigerian government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China. He described the partnership as a reflection of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate globally to exploit its natural resources, highlighting the project’s role as a national priority aimed at driving significant economic growth.
Sheikh Mohamed Bayorh, President of AGMC, expressed gratitude towards CNCEC and the Nigerian government for their roles in facilitating this game-changing agreement. He acknowledged the support from key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the leadership of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for their instrumental roles in advancing Nigeria’s gas sector.
This partnership not only signifies a major leap forward for Nigeria’s industrialization ambitions but also showcases the potential of international cooperation in transforming the economic landscapes of African nations. With this project, Nigeria aims to become a key player in the global energy market, utilizing its vast gas resources to spur national development.