The Federal Government, in line with its domestic gas utilisation agenda, is exploring investment opportunities with Qatar in the area of gas exploration, infrastructure and development.
Specifically, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Taminu Aduda, stated that the country is deepening natural gas utilisation to enable it to boost investment in power and gas-based industries.
To aid its realisation, the Permanent Secretary, according to a statement from the Embassy of Nigeria in Doha, met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, in Doha, to discuss available opportunities.
Already, the government has committed huge resources to ensure that domestic gas infrastructure reaches every corner of the country to deepen natural gas utilisation.
Nigeria has over 203 trillion standard cubic feet of proven gas reserves, which the government is monetizing, with the introduction of numerous policies and industry interventions.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and its partners have embarked on a number of strategic projects to deepen delivery of gas to the domestic market and elevate the build-up of greater potentials for export.
Speaking at the meeting, Aduda also called for investment in gas exploration and infrastructure; technology exchange, skills acquisition and knowledge sharing; manpower development in safety and environment; gas shipping and marine transportation, as well as advocacy and collaboration in campaigning for gas as fuel of choice in the midst of climate change and global energy transition.
Other areas he touched on were the relaxation of visa restrictions on Nigerians who intend to visit Qatar and relaxation of work place visa restrictions on Nigerian professionals.
The Permanent Secretary stated further during the meeting that one vital area the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria had resolved to focus and improve upon was the training and re-training of Staff.
He said the training programme of the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar ranks among the best in the world and cuts across all categories of staff.
Aduda discussed support and cooperation in capacity building for knowledge, skills and competencies for foreign service officers in line with the Qatari Competency Framework.
SOURCE : Guardian
