By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has called for deliberate investment in the gas sector to stabilise supply and sustain Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of NLNG, made the appeal in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by the company’s Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Mrs Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku.
Mshelbila made the remark while receiving the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Bayo Ojulari, at NLNG’s Plant on Bonny Island.
He said that recent challenges in the energy sector required coordinated efforts and strategic investment to sustain growth and achieve Nigeria’s energy goals.
“There is an urgent need for deliberate investment in the gas sector to stabilise supply, de-risk critical infrastructure, and unlock upstream investments.
“These efforts will be essential to sustaining momentum of growth, deepening value delivery, and exploring future opportunities,” he said.
Mshelbila said that increased funding in the sector would strengthen investor confidence, improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy market, and position NLNG to deliver steady gas output.
He also underscored the importance of synergy among stakeholders in achieving national energy objectives.
The managing director described NNPCL as a dependable shareholder committed to the growth and development of NLNG and the wider gas value chain.
In his remarks, Ojulari expressed support for NLNG’s growth and long-term sustainability agenda.
He reaffirmed the company’s strategic role in advancing energy transition, economic stability, and industrial development.
“NLNG remains a beacon of governance, performance, transparency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s energy sector,” he said.
Ojulari noted that the visit provided an opportunity to engage with the NLNG team, assess operational progress, and identify areas for improvement to enhance plant availability and boost national revenue.
He disclosed plans for a dynamic Gas Master Plan and potential hydrogen collaborations with NLNG, in line with Nigeria’s net-zero emission target.
The NNPCL boss later toured key operational areas of the NLNG plant, including the main complex and the Train 7 construction site, which is expected to significantly increase the company’s production capacity.
Mr Emeka Vitalis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, described NLNG as a key driver of energy transition and a pillar of the national economy.
He highlighted the importance of Train 7, NLNG’s expansion project, in meeting Nigeria’s gas export targets and strengthening national capacity.
“Ensuring zero emissions across the gas supply chain will be vital to NLNG’s long-term success in the transition era.
“NLNG’s asset management practices remain a source of national pride,” Vitalis stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLNG is jointly owned by NNPCL, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni, and plays a key role in Nigeria’s gas monetisation and export strategy. (NAN)
