Tanya Davidson
Abuja — Nigeria’s gas production capacity is expected to receive an additional 350 million standard cubic feet per day, MMscfd, by 2028 when the Ima Gas Development Project comes on stream, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said.
Ekpo described the Final Investment Decision, FID, reached by the AMNI International/TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited Joint Venture on the project as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s gas sector, with the additional volumes expected to strengthen domestic supply.
The minister said the project would support the Federal Government’s strategy of using natural gas as a driver of industrialisation, energy security and economic growth.
“When completed and brought on stream in 2028, the Ima Gas Development Project is expected to add 350 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) to Nigeria’s gas production capacity,” Ekpo said.
“This will contribute significantly to strengthening domestic gas supply and advancing our ambition of leveraging natural gas for industrialisation, energy security and economic growth.”
The minister said the FID also reflected growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector following policy reforms and Executive Orders approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improve the investment climate and accelerate project delivery.
Ekpo commended AMNI International and TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited for reaching the investment milestone, describing the partnership between the indigenous producer and international energy company as evidence of the potential for collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s gas resources.
“The partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when indigenous enterprise and international energy expertise come together to unlock our abundant gas resources,” he said.
Beyond the expected gas production, Ekpo said the development would create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, support employment and deepen local-content participation, while facilitating skills and technology transfer.
He, however, cautioned that reaching FID was only the beginning, urging the joint venture partners to maintain momentum through project execution.
“The FID is an important step, but delivery is what ultimately matters,” Ekpo said.
He urged the partners to work closely with relevant government institutions to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the development.
The minister said the Federal Government would continue providing policy and regulatory support for projects capable of expanding gas production and utilisation, strengthening infrastructure and creating economic opportunities.
He said the project aligned with the objectives of the Decade of Gas Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
