Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has emphasised that large-scale infrastructure investment, stable regulatory environment and modern technology are critical pillars for Nigeria to fully harness its vast natural gas reserves and deliver sustainable energy to industries and households.

Speaking at a panel on Accelerating Gas Development for Domestic and Global Energy Needs at the recent Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference, SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, said Nigeria must prioritise targeted investment across the entire gas value chain – from pipelines and processing plants to distribution networks and skilled manpower – to convert its gas resources into tangible economic value.

He stressed that reliable infrastructure is the backbone of efforts to meet growing domestic and industrial demand, while technology is key to boosting efficiency, sustainability and scalability of the gas sector.

“A stable and transparent regulatory and fiscal regime is essential to creating a predictable and secure operating environment that builds investor confidence,” Gbobo said.

He noted that policy certainty and fiscal clarity are just as vital as infrastructure in attracting long-term investment. In addition, technology must play a central role in driving operational efficiency and competitiveness. He highlighted tools such as remote monitoring, real-time data analytics, smart metering and predictive systems as essential tools to optimising performance, reducing waste and improving service delivery.

On SNG’s operations, Gbobo said that since its establishment in 1998, the company has steadily expanded its domestic gas footprint. New distribution networks are underway in Oyo and Bayelsa States, alongside ongoing system expansions in Ogun, Rivers, and Abia States to serve more industries, he noted.

He added that Shell’s experience shows collaborative partnerships can bring together investment capital, technical expertise and capacity building.

Key ingredients for scaling up gas supply and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic development.

In a related remark, Shell’s Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Marno de Jong, represented by Vice President for Gas and Commercial, Rohan D’Souza, described the NOG platform as a strategic forum for policymakers and industry leaders to chart actionable steps towards a more efficient and resilient gas sector.

“It’s a meeting point for stakeholders across Africa and beyond to engage on the critical issues facing the oil and gas industry,” he said.