The federal government says it is intensifying efforts to attract investment, technology and strategic partnerships into Nigeria’s gas sector while expanding access to new export markets.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, spoke at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr Ekpo spoke during high-level engagements with global energy companies and investors on gas production, infrastructure development, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) expansion, industrialisation and market diversification.

The minister, in a statement on Monday by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, 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.

He said 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, 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,” Mr Ekpo said.

A 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.

During discussions with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, 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.

The Chief Executive Officer, Effiong Okon, said 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.

Mr 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, 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.

Similarly, the Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Joseph Penawou, engaged Mr Ekpo on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project, focusing on contractor payments, project timelines, safety performance and quality assurance.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Mahmood, also expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil.

Both countries, according to the statement, explored broader opportunities for mutually beneficial energy cooperation.

In a separate engagement with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, James Danly, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.

The meeting also covered investment in the gas sector, technology deployment, energy security and support for clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving energy access, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and advancing sustainable development.

The Minister of Energy and Petroleum of Senegal, El Hadji Diouf, expressed interest in learning from Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content implementation and institutional capacity building.

(NAN)