The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector while expanding access to new export markets, as it seeks to translate the nation’s 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves into tangible economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
At Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, led high-level engagements with global energy companies, investors and government officials on gas production, infrastructure development, LNG expansion, industrialisation and market diversification.
Speaking during the engagements, Ekpo said the reforms and investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have strengthened investor confidence and enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as an energy investment destination.
He added that NNPC Limited will drive Nigeria’s bilateral energy partnerships, 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.
A key outcome of the engagements was the renewed momentum behind the proposed Nigeria–Libya Gas Pipeline, a project that could provide an additional route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets.
During discussions with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr Khalifa Rajab 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 Limited 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, moving the proposal beyond the conceptual stage and providing a pathway for project development and implementation.
On the domestic front, Seplat Energy Plc outlined plans to significantly increase gas production, with its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Effiong Okon, highlighting initiatives that could raise output to as much as 2 billion standard cubic feet per day through assets across the ANOH project, western operations and offshore fields.
Discussions with Seplat also covered strategic gas infrastructure projects, including Oso Floating LNG, UTM FLNG and Ibom LNG, as well as financing partnerships and plans for an industrial park around the Qua Iboe Terminal corridor to stimulate gas-based industries, manufacturing and wider economic activity.
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.
Ekpo’s meeting with the Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Chief Joseph Penawou, focused on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project, including contractor payments, timelines, safety performance and quality assurance. The Minister underscored the importance of delivering the project on schedule to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market.
Nigeria’s search for additional energy markets gained traction during talks with Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. Bangladesh expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil, while both countries explored broader opportunities for mutually beneficial energy cooperation.
In a separate engagement with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, Mr James Danly, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation. Gas-sector investment, technology deployment, energy security and support for clean cooking initiatives designed to improve energy access, reduce reliance on traditional fuels and advance sustainable development were discussed.
The Minister also met with Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, on cooperation across the oil and gas value chain. Senegal expressed interest in learning from Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content implementation and institutional capacity building, including collaboration with NNPC Limited, Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Further advancing Nigeria’s gas diplomacy, Ekpo met with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Roman Marshavin, to explore deeper cooperation in the gas industry, including a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum that would convene policymakers, investors, developers and financiers from across the global energy sector.
The Russian delegation expressed support for mobilising financing for gas projects, particularly in developing economies facing constrained funding conditions, while both countries reaffirmed their cooperation within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and discussed preparations for future engagements in Moscow.
Louis Ibah
Spokesman to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas)
September 21, 2026