Business
FG Issues 25-year Licence To 10 Gas Distribution Coys
The Federal Government has issued a 25-year gas distribution licence to 10 companies for the establishment, construction and operation of gas distribution networks.
The licenses, issued through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is aimed at promoting domestic gas utilisation, cover franchise areas in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Benin City.
NMDPRA further said it is to ensure that natural gas reaches the last mile in homes and industries across clusters in the southwestern and southern regions of the country.
At the award ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Ahmed Farouk, announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Shell, Nipco, Central Horizon Gas Company, Falcon, and Axxela were granted the licences.
He added that the areas awarded were those already connected to the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System.
Out of 30 applications received, 20 were screened out, leaving the top 10 recipients to spearhead the first phase of such an initiative aimed at the country’s gas expansion initiative.
Among the clusters, the Agrara, Ota, and Badagry Local Gas Distribution Zone will be operated jointly by NNPC and Shell, with a capacity of 102 million standard cubic feet per day.
The Greater Lagos Industrial Area (GLIAS Local Gas Distribution Zone), with a capacity of 130 MMSCF/D, will be operated by NNPC and Gaslink, while the Ikorodu Local Gas Distribution Zone, operated by NNPC and Falcon, has a capacity of 25 MMSCF/D.
Similarly, the Kara Bridge-Ibafo-Sagamu Interchange Local Gas Distribution Zone, with a capacity of 150 MMSCF/D, will be managed by NNPC and Nipco.
The Lekki Free Trade Zone Local Gas Distribution Zone will be operated by NNPC and Nipco, with a capacity of 25 MMSCF/D.
Additionally, the Ogere-Ibadan-Oluyole-Olorisako-Asuire-Ajoda Local Gas Distribution Zone, managed by NNPC and Nipco, has a capacity of 150 MMSCF/D.
In the South-South region, the Port Harcourt Cluster 2 Local Gas Distribution Zone, operated by CHGC, has a capacity of 50 MMSCF/D.
The Port Harcourt Cluster 1 Local Gas Distribution Zone, managed by Shell, will operate with a capacity of 30 MMSCF/D.
The Ada Local Gas Distribution Zone, with a capacity of 30 MMSCF/D, will be managed by NNPC.
Finally, the Benin Local Gas Distribution Zone will be operated by Nipco, with a capacity of 20 MMSCF/D.
In his keynote address, Farouk disclosed that the licenses would enable the distribution of over 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day through a 1,200 km gas pipeline network and more than 500 customer stations.
He said, “Ten licenses are being issued today as part of Phase 1 of the Gas Distribution Licensing regime to operators who have invested significantly in developing gas distribution infrastructures in the designated Gas Distribution Zones and have met the prescribed minimum requirements.
“A cumulative gas distribution capacity of approximately 1.5 bscf/d with over 1,200 km of gas distribution pipeline network as well as over 500 customer stations are covered by the licenses being issued today.
“This license regime holds a significant opportunity to support the development of our domestic gas market through the supply of gas to our energy and testing industries, industrial parks, special economic zones, embedded captive power generation, mobility CNG schemes, and any other downstream gas utilisation programme.
“We appreciate that this license regime shall not only support the accelerated development of our domestic gas market, but that it shall create opportunities for profitable investment for various classes of stakeholders, improve the socio-economic impact of gas resources across Nigeria, and support our national energy processing sectors”.
Farouk explained that the gas distribution license regime “is expected to lay a solid foundation for long-term growth and prosperity, unlock the full potential of our natural gas reserves, enable the development of new and tech markets, and create new sources of revenue and employment for our nation.
“These licenses are expected to be a catalyst for investments. Pipeline natural gas provides continuous supply, is cost-effective, is safer, and eliminates storage challenges”.
He stated that NMDPRA will continue to “encourage public-private partnership to speed up the development of gas infrastructure, with the government playing a vital role in providing support through regulatory oversight, a mid- and downstream gas infrastructure fund that is embedded under the authority, while the private sector or private companies will bring in expertise and investments needed to drive the projects forward”.
The license regime, according to him, shall not only support the accelerated development of Nigeria’s domestic gas market but also create opportunities for profitable investments for various classes of stakeholders, improve the socio-economic impact of gas resources across Nigeria, and support our national energy transition plans.
He also assured the authority’s commitment to continue working assiduously in providing regulatory support to industry stakeholders and ensuring that critical gas infrastructures are completed and commissioned.
The NMDPRA boss said they include the OB3 river crossing, the AKK, and the gas processing facilities across the gas-producing provinces of the country.
He further stated that the authority has commenced the review process on the second revision of the Gas Transportation Network Code to build on the successes of the first revision and enhance the performance of the network regarding pressure stability, metering at both entry and exit points, quality of supply, and overall operational efficiency.
He also said the NMDPRA will periodically revise the gas pricing and tariffing frameworks to ensure that the cost of gas remains fair and competitive, in line with the provisions of the PIA.
Also speaking, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the license regime, which is part of the federal government’s “last mile” gas expansion programme, is expected to bring gas supply closer to Nigerians across the country.
Ekpo noted that the licenses provide “an exclusive right to establish, construct, and operate gas distribution systems and ensure the non-discriminatory distribution and sale of natural gas within designated local distribution zones.
“Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to implementing the PIA in full alignment with the Gas Distribution Regulations of 2023.
He further noted that the “issuance of the Gas Distribution License comes at a pivotal moment as we intensify efforts to harness the potential of gas as a critical resource for Nigeria’s energy transition and economic transformation”.
The Minister informed that the continued exposure to carbon monoxide and lack of access to clean cooking has led to the death of 600,000 women and children in Africa.
He said even more worrisome is the fact that an estimated 1.2 billion women in the continent lack access to clean cooking.
“By empowering license holders, this initiative opens extensive opportunities across several key sectors: Energy-Intensive Industries: Facilitating affordable and reliable energy supply to drive industrial growth and competitiveness.
“Power Generation: Supporting the generation of cleaner and more efficient energy to enhance power availability across the nation”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, has stated that the company and its partners are investing $500 million to construct the yet-to-be-commissioned five liquefied natural gas plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, as part of its efforts to boost gas distribution.
Kyari, who was represented at the event by Executive Vice President, Gas and Power, Ogunleye Olalekan, assured the license holders of an adequate supply of gas across the franchise zones.
He urged stakeholders, investors, and companies operating in the sector to support the federal government’s plans to improve gas supply and utilisation, adding that the gas sector “is a huge opportunity space”.
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The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has unveiled the plans to host a major economic and investment summit aimed at attracting five billion dollars, ( N7 trillion) investments in addition to creating about 500,000 jobs over the next five years.
The Chairman of NDCCITMA Board, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently.
Ogan stated that the initiative is designed to reposition the Niger Delta as a viable destination for sustainable economic growth and development.
He explained the summit would bring together investors, policymakers, manufacturers and business leaders from within and outside Nigeria to explore opportunities across key sectors of the regional economy.
According to him, the event is expected to attract high-profile participation, with President Bola Tinubu billed as Special Guest of Honour, while the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Ogan said the summit would focus on critical sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy, which he described as areas with significant untapped potential.
He called on state governments, development partners and private sector stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that collective efforts are required to unlock the region’s economic prospects.
NDCCITMA chairman further stated that improving security conditions and increasing economic confidence in the Niger Delta have made the region more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
He emphasised that ongoing economic reforms at the national level have also contributed to creating a more favourable investment climate.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Dr. Solomon Edebiri, said the event would prioritise the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the region.
He noted the summit would provide a strategic platform for networking, business partnership and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening the private sector.
Edebiri disclosed that findings from a recent business roundtable revealed significant untapped investment opportunities, which the summit seeks to harness through targeted collaborations.
He revealed that the event would feature exhibitions of viable projects, facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, and also promote innovations across multiple sectors.
According to him, the expected outcomes of the summit include job creation, increased industrial activity and improved livelihoods for people in the Niger Delta.
To build momentum ahead of the event, NDCCITMA said the body would embark on awareness roadshows across states in the Niger Delta, as well as in Lagos and Abuja, to attract broad participation.
King Onunwor
The Management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has set N1.489 trillion as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the 2026 fiscal year.
NPA says the figure represents an increase of N21 billion over the N1.468 trillion target for 2025, which the agency exceeded with an actual revenue of N1.97 trillion.
The Managing Director NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
Dantsoho said the authority was set to begin groundbreaking projects for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports to enhance global competitiveness.
According to him, of the projected revenue: N945 billion is allocated for capital projects, N447.5 billion for operating expenses, and
N90.6 billion for remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
The MD explained that the budget was anchored on the mantra, “Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity.”
Dantsoho said that the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were flagship projects aimed at boosting revenue.
“Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are old and no longer adequate for modern global port operations.
“Apapa Port is about 100 years old, while Tin Can Island Port is over 50 years old, with limited capacity for handling modern vessels and cargo volumes.
“Groundbreaking for their modernisation will commence within the next two to three weeks,” he added.
On the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Dantsoho said all revenues generated by the NPA are paid directly into the account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“We do not retain any funds. The Central Bank is the signatory and we must apply for funds whenever needed,” he explained.
Earlier in his remarks,Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ports, Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun (Lagos Central), said the committee’s oversight function was collaborative rather than adversarial.
“Our goal is to work with you to strengthen institutional capacity, eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that every naira appropriated serves the public interest,” he said.
Chinedu Wosu
Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of ?21,678,120 to the deceased police officers families in Rivers State as part of ongoing welfare interventions by the force.
The gesture formed a major highlight of the activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration in the state, underscoring renewed institutional focus on personnel welfare and post-service support systems.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who presided over the cheque presentation ceremony, said the initiative reflects the Force’s commitment to honouring officers who paid the ultimate price in their line of duty.
He explained that the financial support is designed to cushion the economic burden faced by bereaved families, while also reinforcing confidence among serving personnel about the Force’s long-term welfare structure.
Adepoju conveyed the sympathy of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to the beneficiaries, noting that the sacrifices of fallen officers remain invaluable to national security and public safety.
The police boss further stressed that sustained welfare interventions are critical to boosting morale, enhancing productivity, and strengthening institutional loyalty within the Force.
He reiterated that the welfare scheme aligns with broader reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a responsive and people-oriented institution.
Beneficiaries of the cheques commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for prioritising the welfare of officers and their families through consistent and impactful interventions.
They described the initiative as timely and compassionate, noting that it would go a long way in alleviating financial pressures arising from the loss of their loved ones.
The families also acknowledged ongoing reforms under the current police leadership, which they said have strengthened trust, improved service delivery, and enhanced the overall image of the Force.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar initiatives as part of efforts to uphold the dignity, sacrifice, and legacy of officers who served the nation with distinction.
King Onunwor
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