Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has urged Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, SEPNU, to accelerate the execution of Gas Sales Agreements, GSAs, to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential for both domestic use and export.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the call during a meeting with Seplat’s senior management team, led by its Managing Director Dotun Isiaka, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.
The discussions focused on expediting gas supply, particularly following Seplat’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s assets in December 2024.
Speaking, the Minister stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, particularly with host communities, to ensure a stable operational environment.
He warned that adherence to project timelines is non-negotiable, emphasizing that Seplat’s gas projects will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative.
“I commend Seplat Energy for successfully assuming operatorship of these assets and urge them to fast-track Gas Sales Agreements, which are critical for unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. Timely execution of these agreements will drive industrialization, energy security, and economic growth.
“Nigeria remains one of the most gas-endowed nations in the world, yet domestic utilization remains disappointingly low. Operators like Seplat Energy must collaborate with the government to reverse this trend,” he added.
Ekpo assured Seplat of the government’s support in addressing legislative and regulatory challenges to facilitate gas production and distribution.
He urged the company to remain committed to its obligations and work with both public and private sector players to maximize Nigeria’s gas industry potential.
