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‘Under Investment, Others Threaten FG’s Gas Expansion Target’
Despite post-COVID recovery in the oil and gas sector, indications have emerged that historical under-investment along with tightening monetary policies, high inflation, amongst others pose a major setback to the Federal Government gas expansion target.
This is coming even as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MeleKyari, stated that the company would partner with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and all relevant domestic and international stakeholders to enhance the supply, delivery and utilization of gas in the country.
Speaking at the opening session of the 11th Practical Nigerian Content Forum, with the theme, “Deepening Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Decade of Gas,” Kyari maintained that the NNPC Ltd would leverage on the provisions of policies/regulations, technological breakthroughs, innovative financial mechanisms and other key initiatives such as the National Gas Expansion Programme to make the energy sector resilient.
He said: “The global energy sector has, to a large extent, recovered from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, only to be challenged by historical under-investment, tightening of monetary policies, high inflation, geopolitical tension and security issues, among others, resulting in high and volatile energy prices, and uneven and often low energy supply and demand.
“Energy poverty and security which, hitherto, was a regional and under-developed countries concerns, has now become a global concern, with countries developing all sorts of approaches and innovations to remain energy resilient.
“International Agendas/Frameworks, including the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and successive Conference of Parties have continue to recognise the role of natural gas as a fuel of choice for sustainable development and for smooth energy transition to a low carbon future.
“This has created the much-needed opportunity to power the global economy in a sustainable manner using clean fuels to address global energy related challenges and create value for businesses and the society.
“In line with this and with over 200 TCF of proven gas reserves and a potential of growing to 600TCF, the Federal government declared 2021-2030 as the decade of gas towards a gas-powered economy with natural gas used as direct source of energy and its derivative, such as LPG and CNG, for clean cooking and driving.
“Utilising our upstream gas assets, and key gas pipeline infrastructure (ELPS, Oben – Ajaokuta/Geregu, the vast eastern network covering Alakiri-Obigbo, IkotAbasi and Imo River, and the Gas Transmission Systems (GTS 1-5) to NLNG, NNPCL and its shareholders produce gas in excess of 6 Bscf/d and deliver to the domestic, regional (WAGP) and international gas/LNG markets, thus building in-country capacity and value to shareholders as well as earning foreign revenue.
“Today, the NNPC JV power plants (450 MW Okpai I and 650 MW Afam VI) continue to be key sources of power generation to the country and more power plant projects are being progressed.
“To further deepen gas utilization, we are exploiting more gas resources, including in the frontier basins, deploying/constructing more gas infrastructure & facilities e.g., 2 Bscfd OB3, 2.2 Bscfd AKK, Ibadan-Ilorin-Jebba Pipeline (EIIJ), Qua Iboe-Obigbo-OB3, Obigbo – Umuahia – Ajaokuta (OUA) pipelines and ANOH Gas Processing Plant, etc.,) and utilization points (AKK Power Plants, MEPP, petrochemical plants, , retail CNG refuelling stations, etc. thus integrating gas supply sources with the demand centres across the country
“We are also complementing these gas penetration projects with several renewable energy and emission reduction projects to enhance the sustainability of the energy sector.
“Furthermore, we are embarking on LPG Penetration Scheme through the establishment of Micro Distribution Centres (MDCs) across the country to deepen LPG consumption for clean cooking (stop the detrimental in-door air pollution and deforestation) while creating opportunities for fabrication of LPG/CNG/LNG tanks, gas stoves, cylinders, etc.
“This is underpinned via enhanced LPG production NEPL’s IGHF, NLNG, expansion of terminals and LPG trucking capacity.”
Kyari said all these expansions and investments have created opportunities for Nigerian content, noting that the NNPC is encouraging organizations to identify the relevant areas in which they can participate in.
“I am very pleased of the rapid growth of our local capacity, and we will continue to collaborate with NCDMB and other stakeholders to propel our local talents to achieve their full potential and compete favourably, domestic and internationally.
“We would continue to deepen our Gas Cooperation strategy with all relevant domestic and international stakeholders to enhance gas supply, delivery and utilization while leveraging on the provisions of policies/regulations, technological breakthroughs (e.g., Carbon capture, utilization and storage-CCUS to lower GHG emissions), innovative financial mechanisms and other key initiatives such as the National Gas Expansion Programme to make the energy sector resilient.
“It is my believe this would create value for our business and shareholders and make natural gas not only a transition fuel but a destination fuel of choice,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.