Companies eye gas facility expansion in Northern Nigeria 

Gasnexus, a subsidiary of Axxela and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) aims to expand domestic gas utilisation in the north with a small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant being constructed in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Themed “From Gas to Prosperity: Catalysing Nigeria’s Economic Growth,” the event, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, marked the groundbreaking of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to drive sustainable energy development and economic transformation in Nigeria. The Gasnexus/NGML 20MMSCFD small-scale LNG plant will be developed in phases, beginning with a 7.5 MMSCFD facility that will utilise natural gas from the existing Oben-Ajaokuta pipeline to serve industrial customers in the North and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Axxela Gas Midstream Infrastructure, Franklin Umole, highlighted the project’s significance.

“The demand for cleaner energy, especially in underserved markets reliant on traditional, dirtier fossil fuels, presents a substantial market opportunity.
With the plant’s central and strategic location in Ajaokuta, we are committed to expanding access to reliable and affordable natural gas across the northern region.

“Today, we lay the foundation for a future that not only fuels growth for our industries and economy but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. We are not just building infrastructure—we are shaping the future of energy.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), Justin Ezeala, described the event as a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector.

“This groundbreaking marks an important step towards ensuring access to cleaner energy for Nigerians. Our partnership with Gasnexus is crucial in unlocking the full potential of natural gas as a catalyst for industrial growth and energy security.

By leveraging our collective strengths, we will not only deliver LNG but also empower businesses and drive economic transformation across the region.”
Once completed, the small-scale LNG plant will expand natural gas access to industrial and commercial customers outside the existing pipeline network across Northern Nigeria and surrounding areas.