By Hosea Parah
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a 15-year gas supply framework to UTM Offshore Limited for the development of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
PANDEF National Chairman, Amb (Dr) Godknows Boladei Igali, made the commendation in a letter of appreciation dated August 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Igali said the approval was a significant milestone that would contribute to the rapid industrialisation and economic transformation of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, the multi-billion-dollar FLNG project, expected to be located offshore Akwa Ibom State, would usher the South-South region and the country into a new era of gas-based development driven substantially by indigenous companies.
He noted that the project, alongside other major gas investments involving UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and NNPC, demonstrated the growing capacity of Nigerian companies to participate in the development and beneficiation of the country’s vast gas resources.
The PANDEF chairman also described the role of Dr Julius Rone, OFR, in driving the project as an inspiration to other Nigerians, particularly young entrepreneurs from the Niger Delta, to contribute to national economic development.
Igali said the construction phase of the FLNG facility would generate employment opportunities and stimulate other economic activities across the region.
He further expressed optimism that the project would help improve the standard of living in the Niger Delta by increasing gas availability and potentially moderating the rising cost of domestic and industrial gas.
Beyond its economic benefits, Igali said the project could contribute to addressing the longstanding challenge of gas flaring, which has remained a major environmental concern in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF therefore urged the Federal Government to continue providing the necessary support and cooperation to enable the project team meet its projected timelines.
Igali assured President Tinubu that PANDEF would mobilise and galvanise the support of the people of the Niger Delta, particularly residents of Akwa Ibom State, to create a conducive environment for the successful commencement and sustained operation of the project.
He described the presidential approval as a development capable of strengthening local participation in Nigeria’s gas industry while opening new opportunities for employment, industrialisation and economic growth.