By Yakubu Lawal
Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrial development through investments in gas infrastructure, reliable energy supply and cleaner energy solutions for manufacturers.
The Managing Director (MD) of SNG, Ralph Gbobo, represented by Chidiebere Okocha, the Head, Corporate Relations Shell Nigeria Gas made this commitment in a goodwill message at the 2026 Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) Conference, Exhibition and 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Rivers/Bayelsa States branch held at the Ark Event Centre, Port Harcourt from November 4 to 5, 2026.
Speaking under the theme, ‘Manufacturing for national development: Integrating education, skills, investment and tax incentives in Nigeria,’ the Managing Director described manufacturing as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation with enormous potential to create jobs, strengthen local capabilities and stimulate innovation.
Gbobo stressed that achieving the sector’s full potential would require sustained investment, skilled manpower, an enabling business environment and, most importantly, reliable and competitive energy.According to the Goodwill message, energy security remains fundamental to industrial growth and depends on three key pillars: availability, accessibility, and affordability.
The SNG MD, identified natural gas as a critical component in addressing Nigeria’s energy needs, noting that it could support manufacturing and power generation, strengthen productive capacity and facilitate the transition towards a lower-carbon energy future.Reaffirming SNG commitments to the manufacturing sector, the Managing Director said the company remained focused on providing safe and reliable gas to industrial customers through sustained investments in gas infrastructure and the expansion of its distribution networks, including in Rivers State.
The company also emphasised that achieving industrial growth requires collaboration among government, industry players, educational institutions, investors and regulators to develop relevant skills, attract investments and establish a business environment that enables manufacturers to thrive.Gbobofurther highlighted SNG’s significant commercial presence in the region, pledging continued collaboration with MAN and other stakeholders to expand the productive use of natural gas and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
The goodwill message also underscored the strategic importance of Rivers State in Nigeria’s industrial development, noting that the integration of education, skills, investment, incentives and reliable energy would help translate the state’s industrial potential into stronger businesses, quality employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
The company congratulated MAN’s Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch on its 42nd Annual General Meeting and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the manufacturing community in advancing Nigeria’s industrial development. The SNG MD wished participants fruitful deliberations and a successful conference and exhibition.