The Ima gas project, located offshore Nigeria, has reached a significant milestone with a final investment decision of $800 million announced on September 23, 2026. The project, led by AMNI International with a 60% stake and operated by TotalEnergies with a 40% stake, aims to develop a gas resource discovered over five decades ago in the OML 112 and 117 blocks. The project is expected to produce around 300 million standard cubic feet per day at its peak, according to the Nigerian presidency.
The Ima field has a history dating back to 1973 when oil and gas were first discovered. The oil field began production in 1996, with 24 production wells drilled since then. However, the associated gas remained undeveloped commercially. AMNI International reported that an evaluation well, Ima-12, was drilled in 2006, confirming over 1.6 trillion cubic feet of lean gas classified as P1 reserves. The current project estimates around 1.28 trillion cubic feet of gross confirmed unassociated gas reserves.
TotalEnergies joined the project in 2005, taking a 40% stake in the OML 112 and 117 blocks. Conceptual studies for the gas development were conducted in 2006. The current project plans for a single platform in shallow waters, connected to Nigeria LNG facilities by a 22-kilometer gas pipeline. The project is expected to provide about a third of the gas required for the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion project, which aims to increase liquefaction capacity from 22 to 30 million tons per year.
The Nigerian presidency views the project's progress as a result of reforms aimed at accelerating the development of gas resources. President Bola Tinubu stated that old discoveries can only generate jobs and economic activity when capital, infrastructure, and labor are in place to facilitate exploitation. The project's financing will also involve more Nigerian actors, with local financial institutions arranging 77% of the funding and around 60% of the workforce expected to come from host communities.
The Ima gas project is expected to produce around 350 million cubic feet per day for at least eight years, according to AMNI International and TotalEnergies. The project's development will also support the growth of Nigeria's LNG industry. With the final investment decision in place, the project is set to move forward, providing new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.
The project's partnership between AMNI International and TotalEnergies demonstrates the importance of collaboration in developing Nigeria's gas resources. The project's progress is also seen as a boost to Nigeria's efforts to increase its LNG production and become a major player in the global gas market. The project's expected start-up in 2028 will mark a significant milestone in the development of Nigeria's gas sector.
The Ima gas project's development is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The project's focus on local content and community engagement also aligns with the Nigerian government's efforts to promote sustainable development and benefit local communities. With the project's progress, Nigeria is poised to unlock the potential of its gas resources and drive economic growth.
Key points
- The Ima gas project will produce around 300-350 million cubic feet per day at its peak.
- The project is led by AMNI International with a 60% stake and operated by TotalEnergies with a 40% stake.
- The project's final investment decision was announced on September 23, 2026, with a total investment of $800 million.
