A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE PETRO-CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA: MEETING CHALLENGES THROUGH AN EFFECTIVE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL

This paper presents the results of assessing the challenges and opportunities to rehabilitating and sustaining effectively, our petro-chemical industry for development of Nigeria. We posit these challenges can be met through an effective exploitation of our natural gas reserves. Minimum recoverable volumes of 12.6 trillion cubic feet of ethane, propane and butane, major feedstock to the petro-chemical industry, are assured. This industry should urgently be rehabilitated to enhance and sustain the manufacture of plastics, rubber, and other products, major domestic and industrial inputs.