Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization and transition to cleaner energy, the Federal Government has released over N165 billion in equity funding to 10 gas companies, under the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, MDGIF.
The disbursement was personally supervised by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who said the intervention is a direct demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to unlock the nation’s gas potential and reposition the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The N165 billion equity funding will go directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, vetted by the MDGIF to ensure strict compliance with quality standards, timelines, and value-for-money principles.
According to Ekpo, the move is a strategic response to longstanding barriers in Nigeria’s gas value chain.
“This initiative is more than just about infrastructure, it’s about building an inclusive, energy-secure future that empowers our industries and creates jobs. We are delivering the gas revolution that Nigerians deserve.
“Our goal is clear. To accelerate gas infrastructure development and deliver tangible economic benefits across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and more,” the Minister said during the handover event in Abuja.
The 10 beneficiary companies include ANT Energy Ltd, Sub Sea 9 Gas, Wishnefisky Global, Waterdance International Concepts, Geospectra Energy, Deemah Integrated Services, Amari Energy Resources, VTT LNG West Africa, LNG Arete and SSonic Petroleum.
Ekpo charged the firms to “deliver on time and to standard,” underscoring that their performance would reflect the government’s seriousness in expanding the gas market and stimulating downstream investments.
He also emphasized that the Tinubu administration views gas not just as a transition fuel, but as “the future backbone of Nigeria’s industrial economy.”
“Through strategic partnerships like this, we’re positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global energy transition, not just as a producer of hydrocarbons, but as a hub for innovation, clean energy delivery, and industrial resilience.”
The MDGIF, established under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, is designed to provide equity investments for critical gas infrastructure such as processing plants, pipelines, storage, distribution, and export terminals, with an emphasis on private sector-led delivery models.
With this disbursement, Nigeria aims to fast-track stalled projects, unlock new gas corridors, and create jobs across the gas value chain, signaling a clear intent to leverage gas as both a domestic energy solution and an export engine.
