The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted UTM Offshore Limited a ‘License to Construct’ a groundbreaking Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility with an annual production capacity of 2.8 million tonnes. This project, the first of its kind in Africa, aligns with Nigeria’s ambitious efforts to boost gas production, distribution, and utilization under the Decade of Gas Initiative.
Speaking at the official ceremony, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, celebrated the initiative as a crucial milestone in transforming the country’s gas industry. He emphasized the importance of the FLNG project, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for energy sector reform.
“Today is a significant day in the life of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gas,” Ekpo remarked. “I had to shorten my stay in China to witness this historic event. This facility, capable of processing 2.8 million tonnes of energy, is the first of its kind in Nigeria.”
The floating facility will be constructed offshore and forms a core part of Nigeria’s broader gas expansion strategy. The project aims to position gas as a central driver of Nigeria’s economy by 2030.
“This aligns with the President’s vision to improve gas production, distribution, and utilization. The Decade of Gas Initiative will see gas driving our economy by 2030,” Ekpo stated.
Ekpo praised both the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for their due diligence in awarding the license, and UTM’s CEO, Julius Rone, for leading the ambitious effort.
“I salute NMDPRA for its diligence and Julius Rone for the bold step he and his team have taken. This is a project worth celebrating,” Ekpo said.
He further assured UTM Offshore of the government’s full support to ensure the successful execution of the FLNG facility.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will provide all the necessary support and create a conducive environment for UTM to operate and fulfill the vision of increasing Nigeria’s gas output,” he added.
Ekpo expressed his confidence in UTM’s capacity to deliver the project successfully, saying, “I’ve seen the UTM team, and I know they can make this happen. I celebrate their efforts.”
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s potential to reclaim its leadership in Africa’s gas sector, urging continuous collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders.
“With nations developing their gas sectors, Nigeria, under the focused leadership of President Tinubu, must leverage its abundant gas resources. Together, we will achieve the President’s vision, and the sky will be our limit,” Ekpo concluded.
The UTM FLNG facility represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s goal to become a global gas industry leader, enhancing the country’s LNG export capacity, creating jobs, and reinforcing its status as a key energy supplier in Africa and beyond.
