FG backs Ondo methanol plant expansion, targets 500,000 metric tons by 2026

The federal government has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s first methanol production facility at the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub in Ondo State, aiming to boost local production and industrialisation.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the announcement on Monday during an inspection of the SuperTech methanol and ammonium bicarbonate plant in Omotosho, Okitipupa Local Government Area.

Ekpo said the government would collaborate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and other agencies to help scale the plant’s output from 100,000 metric tons to 500,000 metric tons by 2026.

“I am impressed with what I have seen done by SuperTech in Ondo State. The Federal Government will give them all the necessary encouragement to reach 500,000 metric tons next year,” he said.

The minister added that the government was working with gas producers to ensure domestic supply, reduce imports, and keep prices affordable, directing NNPC to prioritise local utilisation of gas and methanol products.

NNPC’s Group Executive Officer, Bashiru Ojulari, represented by Executive Vice President Lekan Ogunleye, described the project as a major milestone for Nigeria’s gas industry and pledged continued support for SuperTech to generate employment and revenue.

SuperTech Chairman Yang Jijiang expressed gratitude to the Federal and Ondo State governments, noting that the facility had created jobs, facilitated technology transfer, and strengthened Nigeria-China cooperation.

Principal Consultant to the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, Alex Ajipe, described the project as a historic achievement that would reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and boost Ondo State’s and Nigeria’s economy.