On November 9, 2025, Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) of Nigeria, led a delegation to visit Popular Chemicals Nigeria Limited. The delegation inspected the construction and operation of the methanol and ammonium bicarbonate projects and held discussions with company representatives. Yang Jijiang, Chairman of the Group, and Yang Wenqing, General Manager of Popular Chemicals, accompanied the reception.

During the discussion, Minister Ekpo pointed out that Popular Chemicals’ methanol plant is Nigeria’s first‑of‑its‑kind facility. It fills the domestic gap in methanol production, improves the downstream natural‑gas value chain, and supplies critical raw materials for the chemical and fertilizer sectors. By producing methanol and ammonium bicarbonate from local natural‑gas resources, the project realizes on‑site resource conversion and industrial extension. It will enhance Nigeria’s self‑sufficiency in the chemical industry, boost employment and technological advancement, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of “driving industrial growth and sustainable employment through natural gas”.


Group Chairman Yang Jijiang stated that Minister Ekpo’s visit marks an important milestone for China‑Nigeria cooperation in natural‑gas‑based industrialization and energy transition. With strong support from the Nigerian government and relevant authorities, Popular Chemicals has built modern production facilities with an annual output of 100,000 tons of methanol and 160,000 tons of ammonium bicarbonate, turning the vision into reality.

Following the meeting, Minister Ekpo and his entourage toured the central control room and production site of Popular Chemicals. They spoke highly of the company’s achievements in forward‑looking planning, integrated industrial construction and intelligent operation.

Chairman Yang Jijiang commented that as a Chinese‑invested enterprise with long‑term operations in Nigeria, Popular Chemicals is committed to local‑based operation and sustainable development, and actively contributes to the industrialization of Ondo State and Nigeria’s economic growth. Going forward, the company will continue to act as a bridge for job creation, technology transfer and deeper China‑Nigeria collaboration, jointly opening a new chapter for bilateral cooperation in energy and chemical industries.