Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reaffirmed the country’s ambition to produce 10 billion standard cubic feet, bscf, of gas per day by 2030, declaring that ongoing reforms and new investment deals are already positioning the nation as a competitive gas hub.
Speaking during a strategic engagement with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, Edun said the Bola Tinubu-led administration had stabilised the economy and was creating fresh opportunities in both the energy and manufacturing sectors.
“Nigeria has set its sights on producing 10 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2030. Recent agreements, including the Deepwater deal with TotalEnergies, are clear evidence of progress toward a more competitive and investor-friendly environment.
“The President has stabilised the economy and created new opportunities for both manufacturing and energy. As we implement comprehensive tax reforms, your input will be vital in shaping a more attractive business landscape,” Edun told NLNG.
The Minister assured industry stakeholders that government reforms would build transparency and efficiency into Nigeria’s gas and trade ecosystem.
“We want a transparent, technology-driven environment where investors can operate with confidence. The rollout of digital trade systems will streamline oversight, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure fairness,” he stated.
Nigeria’s push to boost gas production is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to leverage the country’s energy endowment to drive economic growth, expand manufacturing, and attract foreign direct investment.
“With renewed focus and determination, Nigeria is poised to unlock its vast energy resources and drive economic growth,” Edun concluded.
On his part, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, briefed the Minister on operational progress, reporting stronger gas supply and improved security along the Trans-Niger pipeline.
He also disclosed that NLNG’s plant capacity utilisation had risen above 70 percent.
“We are seeing positive results in gas supply reliability and in securing critical infrastructure. Our capacity utilisation has climbed above 70 percent, reflecting the resilience of our operations,” Dr. Mshelbila said.
On infrastructure development, he pointed to advances on the long-delayed Bodo-Bonny Road but urged government support for broader connectivity.
“We request consideration for an extension to the East-West Highway under the tax credit scheme. Such infrastructure will be vital to unlocking further value for the gas sector and the economy at large,” he noted.
The discussions, which centred on production targets, investment climate, and ongoing reforms, were described by both parties as a “critical milestone” in Nigeria’s journey to maximising its vast gas resources.
