By Mary Izuaka

 

The federal government says it is intensifying efforts to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector as it seeks to convert the country’s 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves into economic growth, industrial development and jobs.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, where he led Nigeria’s delegation in high-level engagements with global energy companies, investors and government officials.

The engagements focused on gas production, infrastructure development, LNG expansion, industrialisation and market diversification, Louis Ibah
spokesman to the minister said in a statement on Monday.

Mr Ekpo said reforms and investor-friendly policies introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration had strengthened investor confidence and improved Nigeria’s appeal as an energy investment destination.

He said NNPC Limited would drive the country’s bilateral energy partnerships by translating government engagements into commercially viable projects and strategic investments.

“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,” Mr Ekpo said.

Nigeria-Libya gas pipeline

A major outcome of the meetings was renewed momentum for the proposed Nigeria-Libya gas pipeline, which could provide an additional route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets.

During talks with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, both sides agreed to move the initiative towards a structured project framework.

The two countries will explore a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and set up a joint technical team, with NNPC Ltd expected to lead Nigeria’s participation. The team will assess feasibility, financing options, infrastructure requirements, security considerations and commercial viability.

Seplat, Heirs Energies, Daewoo

On the domestic front, Seplat Energy Plc outlined plans to significantly raise gas production to as much as 2 billion standard cubic feet per day through its ANOH project, western assets and offshore fields.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Effiong Okon, also discussed strategic infrastructure projects including Oso Floating LNG, UTM FLNG and Ibom LNG, alongside financing partnerships and plans for an industrial park around the Qua Iboe Terminal corridor.

The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Osayande Igiehon, briefed the minister on efforts to expand gas production, improve asset performance and support the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme.

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Mr Ekpo also met with Daewoo E and C Nigeria’s Country Chairman, Joseph Penawou, on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project. Discussions covered contractor payments, timelines, safety performance and quality assurance, with the minister stressing timely delivery to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market.

New export markets

Nigeria’s push for new markets featured in talks with Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. Bangladesh expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil.

In a separate meeting, US Deputy Secretary of Energy, James Danly, and Mr Ekpo discussed bilateral energy cooperation, including gas sector investment, technology deployment, energy security and clean cooking initiatives.

The minister also met Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, on cooperation across the oil and gas value chain. Senegal expressed interest in Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content and capacity building, including collaboration with NNPC Ltd, Nigeria LNG Ltd and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Mr Ekpo further met Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Marshavin, to explore cooperation in the gas industry, including a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum. The Russian side expressed support for mobilising financing for gas projects in developing economies.

Both countries reaffirmed cooperation within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and discussed preparations for future engagements in Moscow.