Minister laments Nigeria’s alarmingly low natural gas utilisation despite gas-endowed

• Ready To Collaborate To Overcome Legislative, Regulatory Hurdles

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lamented Nigeria’s paradoxical situation as a major gas-endowed nation with alarmingly low natural gas utilization, saying operators like SEPNU should partner with the government to correct the trend.

Ekpo emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, driving economic growth through sustainable energy development, and fostering a conducive environment for investment.

He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Seplat Energy to overcome legislative and regulatory hurdles, such that would enhance the company’s ability to deliver natural gas to the country.

The minister urged Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) to accelerate its natural gas delivery efforts for domestic use and export.

This call was made during a meeting with SEPNU’s senior management, led by Managing Director, DotunIsiaka, at the NNPC Towers office in Abuja. The meeting provided an opportunity for SEPNU’s leadership to brief the minister on its progress since taking over operatorship of assets from ExxonMobil in December 2024, with a focus on the gas components of the divestment deal.

Ekpo commended SEPNU’s management for the successful takeover, expressing optimism about their potential to expedite Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) negotiations and execution. These agreements are crucial for catalyzing the gas industry and delivering much-needed natural gas to the nation through priority projects.

The minister emphasised the importance of SEPNU working harmoniously with its host communities to deliver value to all stakeholders and solidify its position as a leading independent Indigenous energy company.

Furthermore, Ekpo urged SEPNU to remain committed to its project timelines, stressing that adherence to these timelines is critical for the successful execution of their projects to deliver the desired positive results to the Nation’s economy.

He noted that the company’s success would be instrumental in aligning with Nigeria’s goal of leveraging its abundant gas resources to drive economic growth and development.

Seplat Energy’s Managing Director, DotunIsiaka, informed Ekpo that the company has engaged potential off-takers for natural gas from their assets.

Isiaka solicited the Minister’s cooperation to overcome legislative and regulatory challenges, which would facilitate their operations and enable them to meet their targets for major gas projects.