The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently held a strategic business meeting with representatives from PayGas and the Oil Sustainability Programme (OSP) of Saudi Arabia, with the objective of enhancing the availability of affordable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in semi-rural Nigerian communities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the use of clean cooking fuel and improve energy access in underserved regions.
During the meeting, NRL management, alongside the PayGas and OSP delegates, conducted a comprehensive site inspection of proposed locations for Micro-Filling Plants (MFPs) in various semi-rural areas. These inspections were crucial for identifying suitable sites for the deployment of these plants, which are designed to provide efficient and cost-effective LPG distribution.

Following the successful site inspections and strategic discussions, Huub Stokman, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd., and Philippe Hoeblich, CEO and Co-founder of PayGas, formalized their commitment to this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 21, 2024. This agreement solidifies their partnership and sets the stage for the rapid deployment of MFP solutions.

The collaboration between NNPC Retail and PayGas aims to leverage modern technology to establish MFPs that will make LPG both accessible and affordable in semi-rural and rural areas. These plants will allow residents to purchase LPG in smaller, more manageable quantities, providing them with the flexibility to “pay as they gas.” This innovative approach is expected to significantly improve energy access and affordability, contributing to better living standards and environmental sustainability in these communities.

