The Federal Government of Nigeria is stepping up efforts to draw investment, technology, and strategic partnerships into the country's gas sector. This move aims to convert Nigeria's 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves into tangible economic growth, industrial development, and job creation. Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, led discussions with global energy companies, investors, and government officials at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ekpo highlighted the reforms and investor-friendly policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration, which have enhanced investor confidence and positioned Nigeria as a prime energy investment destination. He assured investors that Nigeria is open for business, with the right fiscal policies and operating environment in place, and that the security of investors and their investments is guaranteed. NNPC Limited will drive Nigeria's bilateral energy partnerships, translating government engagements into commercially viable projects and sustainable development.
A key outcome of the engagements was the renewed momentum behind the proposed Nigeria–Libya Gas Pipeline. This project could provide an additional route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets. Nigeria and Libya agreed to advance the initiative towards a structured project framework, exploring the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and establishing a joint technical team.
On the domestic front, Seplat Energy Plc outlined plans to significantly increase gas production. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Effiong Okon, highlighted initiatives that could raise output to as much as two billion standard cubic feet per day through assets across the ANOH project, western operations, and offshore fields. Discussions also covered strategic gas infrastructure projects and financing partnerships.
The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Mr Osayande Igiehon, briefed Ekpo on the company's progress in expanding gas production and supporting the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme. Ekpo's meeting with the Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Chief Joseph Penawou, focused on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project, including contractor payments, timelines, safety performance, and quality assurance.
Nigeria's search for additional energy markets gained traction during talks with Bangladesh's Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. Bangladesh expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil, while both countries explored broader opportunities for mutually beneficial energy cooperation. Ekpo also met with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, Mr James Danly, to discuss strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.
Further advancing Nigeria's gas diplomacy, Ekpo met with Senegal's Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, and Russia's Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Roman Marshavin. These meetings explored cooperation across the oil and gas value chain, including a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum to convene policymakers, investors, developers, and financiers from across the global energy sector.
Key points
- The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to attract investment and partnerships in the gas sector to boost economic growth and job creation.
