There is good out of Nazareth

In 4 BC, Nazareth had a poor political and security reputation with Romans killing thousand of Jews after looting the armory. Subsequent arson and revolt led to crackdown and killing of citizens. ThIs was the background to Nathanael’s question, “Can any good thing come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46)

The current level of insecurity (boko haram, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen/farmer), poverty, unemployment and crackdown (insurrection) across the country, is leading many to ask if any good can come out of Nigeria.

But the past week has seen what the country is capable of, with the launch of three monumental projects, each of which is a game changer I.e. Lagos-Ibadan railroad; deep blue maritime security architecture, and NLNG Train 7 groundbreaking.

These projects are exciting and with their multiplier effects on the nation, particularly Train 7 which will bring $6bn ($3bn from NLNG own fund and $3bn international financing), create over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, grow production 40%, generate higher dividend and taxes for Nigeria and further reduce gas flares. It will also lead to Upstream sector investing several billions of dollars for the gas projects to supply Train 7 with feedgas, and thus creating additional benefits.

https://www.thecable.ng/buhari-flags-off-nlng-train-7-project-after-covid-induced-delay

Having been involved in Train 7 during my 5-year tenure at NLNG as MD/CEO, during which we mounted a huge effort and campaign to get the previous administration to support the project instead of its lethargy, much credit is to be given to President Buhari, who once we met him in 2015, as part of efforts to get the project going, immediately backed the project. His clear unequivocal support changed the game, and has been instrumental to the progress to FID and the groundbreaking event that formally flagged the commencement of the construction activities. 

I congratulate the President on this historic moment and applaud his patriotism and leadership on these projects. History will particularly note that President Buhari did not put clannish preferences above national interest on Train 7 project, like others. The delay by past administration had cost the country at least $10bn in lost revenue during the delay.

I congratulate the shareholders, board of directors, management and staff of NLNG for this milestone and look forward to a flawless execution that NLNG is known for, and which saw it build the fastest LNG project in the world and commissioning of 6 Trains between 1999 to 2008. The company should also continue progress towards Trains 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12, as with Gas/LNG being a “cleaner” fuel, there is still several decades of opportunities for company and the country.

I also congratulate the King, Chiefs and the good people of Bonny/Finima for this growth in their land and pray for their unity and continued progress.

Congratulation to Nigerians for the benefits these three projects will bring including jobs, gas flare reduction, revenue, security, better transport, economic activities and productivity. The impact of these projects may neither be immediately felt by many citizens nor will it change security situation, but these are great and excellent seeds that the future generations will appreciate much more. 

To those who are despondent about Nigeria like Nathaniel was, they should know that it was from the same Nazareth that Jesus Christ eventually came from.

Good will come in Nigeria!

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