The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that it played a role in influencing the location of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
In response to recent allegations, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), clarified that the LNG projects—Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete—are entirely private-sector initiatives. According to him, these projects are neither federal government-funded nor influenced by any senator or political entity.
The controversy arose after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) alleged during a live interview on Brekete Family radio that she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content due to her involvement in securing the LNG plants for Ajaokuta.
Addressing these claims, Senator Jarigbe emphasized that the decision to site the plants was purely business-driven. “Private investors chose Ajaokuta after assessing its economic viability, access to gas pipelines, and overall suitability,” he explained. He further noted that while senators, including Natasha, were invited to discussions on the projects, their presence did not equate to political influence.
“The claim that Senator Natasha’s involvement influenced her removal is completely false,” Jarigbe stated. “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, I’ve received numerous inquiries on why Ajaokuta was chosen. The answer is simple: investors make decisions based on profitability, not politics.”
Urging his colleagues to maintain decorum, Jarigbe reminded them that parliamentary immunity applies only within Senate chambers. “Outside the Chamber, we must exercise restraint in our words and actions,” he cautioned. “The law does not protect a senator from defamation charges.”
He concluded by calling on fellow lawmakers to uphold the dignity of the Senate, adhere to its Standing Orders, and conduct themselves with the responsibility their office demands.
