Tanya Davidson
Abuja — The Federal Government has urged Seplat Energy’s new leadership to deepen investment in Nigeria’s gas sector, as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the country must move beyond its huge gas reserves to their commercial development and industrial use.
Ekpo gave the charge when he received Seplat Energy’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Udofia Okon, and senior executives of the company on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The minister said discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and Seplat, particularly in attracting new investment, accelerating gas development and unlocking greater value from Nigeria’s gas resources.
“As a nation, our ambition must go beyond having vast gas reserves to ensuring that these resources are developed, commercialised and deployed to create jobs, strengthen industries and deliver greater prosperity for Nigerians,” Ekpo said.
The engagement comes shortly after Okon assumed office as Seplat’s CEO on August 1, 2026. The company said his previous role included leading the ANOH Gas Processing Company, where the 300 MMscfd ANOH Gas Processing Plant achieved first gas in January 2026.
Okon joined Seplat in 2018 and has held senior operational, projects and new-energy roles, with experience spanning upstream and integrated gas operations.
Against that background, Ekpo said the Federal Government was looking forward to continued collaboration with Seplat as it seeks to expand gas development and utilisation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an investment environment in which credible investors and industry partners can expand their operations.
“I reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating the right environment for credible investors and industry partners to thrive,” he said.
The minister said deeper cooperation with Seplat would support the government’s broader effort to develop Nigeria’s gas resources in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
For Seplat, the engagement places gas development prominently on the agenda of its new leadership, with the company already pursuing a gas-led growth strategy and operating across upstream and midstream gas assets.
