Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, says that the government is intensifying efforts to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigerian gas sector while expanding access to new export markets.
Speaking during the high-level engagements with global energy companies and investors on gas production, infrastructure development, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) expansion, industrialisation and market diversification at the Gastech 2026 in Bangkok,
Thailand, the minister said that 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.
The statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Mr. Louis Ibah, stated 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.
According to him, the NNPC Ltd. will drive Nigeria’s bilateral energy partnerships by translating government engagements into commercially viable projects, strategic investments and sustainable development.
“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.
The statement said that the 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.
It added that during the 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 explore the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and establish a joint technical team, with NNPC Ltd. expected to spearhead 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.
On the domestic front, Seplat Energy Plc outlined plans to significantly increase gas production.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Effiong Okon, said that the company was 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 also highlighted 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.
He said the 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.
GIK/APA