Nigeria’s Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lamented the low natural gas utilisation among Nigerians, urging Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) to accelerate its natural gas delivery efforts for domestic use and export.
Speaking during the meeting with SEPNU’s senior management, led by the Managing Director, Mr Dotun Isiaka, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the minister lamented Nigeria’s “paradoxical situation” as a major gas-endowed nation with alarmingly low natural gas utilisation.
He urged operators like SEPNU to partner with the Nigerian government to correct the trend.
According to the statement issued on Wednesday by the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, the meeting provided an opportunity for SEPNU’s leadership to brief the minister on the progress made by the company since taking over operatorship of the assets from ExxonMobil in December 2024, with a focus on the gas components of the divestment deal.
The statement added that minister commended SEPNU’s management for the successful takeover and expressed optimism about their potential to expedite Gas Sales Agreements negotiations and execution.
These agreements, it was stated, are crucial for catalysing the gas industry and delivering much-needed natural gas to the nation through priority projects.
“The minister emphasised the importance of SEPNU working harmoniously with its host communities to deliver value to all stakeholders and solidify its position as a leading independent indigenous energy company.
“Furthermore, Ekpo urged SEPNU to remain committed to its project timelines, stressing that adherence to these timelines is critical for the successful execution of their projects to deliver the desired positive results to the nation’s economy.
He noted that the company’s success would be instrumental in aligning with Nigeria’s goal of leveraging its abundant gas resources to drive economic growth and development,” the statement said.
Ekpo emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, driving economic growth through sustainable energy development, and fostering a conducive environment for investment.
He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Seplat Energy to overcome legislative and regulatory hurdles, such that would enhance the company’s ability to deliver natural gas to the country.
Earlier, Seplat Energy’s Managing Director, Dotun Isiaka, informed the minister that the company has engaged potential off-takers for natural gas from their assets.
Isiaka solicited the minister’s cooperation to overcome legislative and regulatory challenges, which would facilitate their operations and enable them to meet their targets for major gas projects.
GIK/APA