The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s first methanol production plant, located at the Ondo Linyi Industrial Hub in Ondo State. The facility, operated by SuperTech Chemical Industry Limited, is targeting an output increase from 100000 metric tons to 500000 metric tons by 2026.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known on Monday during an inspection of the SuperTech methanol and ammonium bicarbonate facility in Omotosho, Okitipupa Local Government Area. He described the project as a landmark achievement in leveraging Nigeria’s natural gas resources for industrialization and economic growth.
According to the minister, the Federal Government will provide all necessary support to ensure the facility’s successful expansion, particularly through collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and other regulatory agencies. He revealed that NNPC’s upstream operations have been directed to utilize methanol from the plant to strengthen the gas based value chain and enhance local industrial activity.
“I am impressed with what I have seen done by SuperTech in this part of Ondo State,” Ekpo said. “They are taking advantage of our natural gas resources to produce methanol and ammonium bicarbonate. The Federal Government will give them every necessary encouragement to scale from 100000 to 500000 metric tons by 2026.”
He further noted that the ministry, in collaboration with NNPC, is working to increase domestic gas supply and reduce import dependence. “We have directed NLNG to prioritize in country supply, and NNPC is engaging companies like Chevron to align production standards so that locally produced LPG meets market requirements. This will help reduce prices and ensure availability for Nigerians,” he added.
NNPC Group Executive Officer, Mr. Bashiru Ojulari, represented by Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Lekan Ogunleye, reaffirmed NNPC’s partnership with SuperTech, describing 2026 as a pivotal year for Nigeria’s gas industry. “We are proud to support the first methanol and ammonium bicarbonate plant in Nigeria. This is just the beginning. NNPC will stand shoulder to shoulder with SuperTech to create jobs, generate revenue, and ensure energy security for the nation,” he stated.
Chairman of SuperTech Chemical Industry Limited, Mr. Yang Jijiang, emphasized the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s gas industrialization and energy transition goals through sustained investment, job creation, and technology transfer. He confirmed that the plant currently produces 100000 tons of methanol and 160000 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.
Principal Consultant to the Ondo Linyi Industrial Hub, Dr. Alexander Ajipe, described the minister’s visit as a morale booster for investors. “We are now producing fertilizers and methanol here in Ondo State. It means we will no longer rely on importation, this is a turning point for Nigeria,” Ajipe stated.
