BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified push for Nigeria’s bilateral energy deals, with a fresh commitment to translate the government engagements into commercially viable projects, strategic investments and sustainable development.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo stated this during a high-level engagement with global energy companies and investors on gas production, infrastructure development, Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, expansion, industrialisation and market diversification at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The engagements were aimed at translating Nigeria’s 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves into economic growth, industrial development and job creation, to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector.
“Nigeria is open for business. We have put in place the right fiscal policies and operating environment, and the security of investors and their investments is guaranteed,” Ekpo said.
Ekpo informed that the reforms and investor-friendly policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration had strengthened investor confidence and enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as an energy investment destination.
The Minister's spokesperson, Mr Louis Ibah said on Tuesday in Abuja, that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector while expanding access to new export markets.
A key outcome of the engagements was renewed momentum on the proposed Nigeria-Libya Gas Pipeline, which could provide an additional route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets.
During discussions with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr Khalifa Abdulsadek, both sides agreed to advance the initiative towards a structured project framework.
The two countries will jointly explore the opportunities in a Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU, and establish a joint technical team, with NNPC Limited expected to lead Nigeria’s efforts under the bilateral cooperation framework.
The team will assess the project’s feasibility, financing options, infrastructure requirements, security considerations and commercial viability.
Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Effiong Okon highlighted plans to significantly increase gas production.
He noted that the company is implementing initiatives that could raise output to as much as two billion standard cubic feet per day through its assets across the ANOH project, western operations and offshore fields.
Okon outlined strategic gas infrastructure projects, including Oso Floating LNG, UTM FLNG and Ibom LNG, as well as financing partnerships and plans to develop an industrial park around the Qua Iboe Terminal corridor, noting that initiatives would stimulate gas-based industries, manufacturing and broader economic activities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Mr Osayande Igiehon briefed the minister on the company’s progress in expanding gas production, improving asset performance and supporting the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme through the provision of flare sites for commercial development.
Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Chief Joseph Penawou engaged Ekpo on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project, focusing on contractor payments, project timelines, safety performance and quality assurance.
But Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Iqbal Mahmood indicated interest in sourcing Nigeria's LNG and crude oil, just as Nigeria and Bangladesh explored broader opportunities for mutually beneficial energy cooperation.
In a separate engagement with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, Mr James Danly, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.
The meeting also covered investment in the gas sector, technology deployment, energy security and support for clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving energy access, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and advancing sustainable development.
Minister of Energy and Petroleum of Senegal, Dr El Hadji Diouf was keen to learn from Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content implementation and institutional capacity building.
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