SHELL Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG) has completed moves to comence the supply of gas to Hewang Packaging and Printing FZE in the Ogun_Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, Ogun State.

This was part of a Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement signed between the two companies this month. This is the first gas supply agreement in the Free Trade Zone, and also marks the extension of SNG's distribution systems in Ogun State to the business area.

Commenting on the development, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited's Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila said: "We have been supplying gas to industries in Ogun State for more than seven years, and are pleased to extend our service to the Free Trade Zone. This will enable more companies to take advantage of a cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective source of energy."

The Managing Director of Hewang Packaging and Printing FZE, Mr. Hong, said: "With a steady supply of natural gas, we can operate in a more competitive and environment-friendly manner."

Approved by the Federal Government in 2008, the Ogun_Guangdong Free Trade Zone is promoted by both the Ogun State Government and Guangdong Xinguang International Group in China. The aim is to help turn Ogun State into a major industrial hub and diversify its economic base.

According to the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on economic matters, Ms. Yosola Akinbi, "the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone will promote the expansion of economic opportunities and position the private sector as the main driver of Ogun state's economy. Among the industries being attracted to the Zone include manufacturers of ceramic tiles, building materials, furniture products, household wares and rubber- based products."

Shell Nigeria Gas Limited has over 50 customers in the Agbara and Ota areas of Ogun State, and Aba in Abia State. The company plans to extend its services to other parts of the country, and bring the benefits of a more reliable source of energy to the doorsteps of manufacturers.

Shell Nigeria Gas Limited is the only natural gas distribution company in Nigeria to be certified to the ISO 14001 standard for environmental impact management, and has maintained the certification since 2004, after regular audits and inspections.