NLNG calls for swift action on gas benefits

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, emphasized the need for Nigeria to seize opportunities in the energy transition, particularly in the gas sector, to boost investment and maximize the benefits of gas. He made this statement during a visit by the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, to the NLNG plant on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

Dr. Mshelbila highlighted the significance of addressing challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector, as failure to do so would hinder progress and revenue generation from valuable resources. He stressed the importance of focusing on the gas sector to overcome these industry challenges.

He mentioned that NLNG is on the verge of completing Train 7, which will significantly increase its capacity to 30 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), making it one of the largest single-site operations globally. However, he also acknowledged the dynamic changes in the LNG sector, citing the Russian/Ukraine conflict as a recent development affecting LNG demand.

Dr. Mshelbila identified feed gas supply as the biggest challenge facing NLNG, with Trains 1 to 6 operating at half their potential capacity due to crude oil theft affecting associated gas supply. He expressed the need to secure a stable source of gas for future expansion, including Train 8.

In response, Rt. Hon. Ekpo affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing gas supply and security issues, supporting stakeholders in the sector, and tapping into Nigeria’s vast gas reserves. He emphasized the importance of gas development for the nation’s energy efficiency and economic prosperity.

During the visit, the Minister toured the NLNG facility, including the Central Control Room and the Train 7 construction site. NLNG is a joint venture between Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Shell Gas B.V., TotalEnergies Gaz & Electricite Holdings, and Eni International N.A. N. V. S.àr.l.