By Chris Ochayi  & Clare Ubawike

ABUJA— The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has said the Federal Government is committed to pursue an aggressive and robust implementation of the various initiatives designed to accelerate the provision of adequate gas supply for power generation in the country.

Her declaration came against the backdrop of plans by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc to invest $200 million to develop and deliver gas to the emerging Azura-Edo Power plant.

Alison-Madueke recently announced the N213 billion inter-agency initiative to facilitate the liquidation of legacy gas debts in the power sector.

She said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in collaboration with its joint venture partners, was determined to surpass its mandate of providing the required fuel as well as gas infrastructure for the smooth operation of power plants in the country.

On gas supply to Azura-Edo Power plant in Ihovbor/Orior Osemwende communities, near Benin, which foundation laying ceremony was performed by President Goodluck Jonathan last week, the minister said the 450mw IPP would be supplied with 120mmscuf/per day through NPDC, and Seplat joint venture, from its new gas processing facilities at Oben Gas Plant.