Joseph Bakare
Nigeria has commenced major gas value chain expansion following new agreement by some gas companies.
Ten midstream oil and gas companies have agreed to develop new projects which would lead to the release of over N165 billion in equity investments under the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to expand the country’s gas infrastructure.
The fund aims at supporting development of the country’s gas value chain and will go directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), vetted by the MDGIF, to ensure strict compliance with standards and timelines.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, speaking at the event where the deal was endorsed said the event marked a key milestone in President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s gas sector and strengthen the country’s position in the global energy transition programme.
“This is a resounding affirmation of the President’s visionary leadership and dedication to building a resilient, gas-powered economy. With the inclusion of these 10 equity partners, we are injecting this vehicle with the fuel it needs; confidence, capital, and strategic collaboration.
“Pipelines laid, facilities commissioned, jobs created, and energy supplied to millions, let these be our collective measure of success. We must act decisively and avoid business-as-usual delays,” he said.
The MDGIF was established to promote strategic investments in midstream and downstream gas facilities and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuels. The projects, spread across the six geopolitical zones form part of efforts to bridge critical infrastructure gaps in the gas value chain.
The equity partners will execute six gas processing plants, two of which will utilise flare gas, and three Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling facilities. One is expected to deploy bulk Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage infrastructure.
In all, they are expected to enhance domestic energy security, reduce gas flaring, and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels.
According to Ekpo, the initiative is more than just about infrastructure, but about building an inclusive, energy-secure future that empowers industries and creates jobs.
The beneficiaries of the N165 billion deal include: ANT Energy Ltd, Sub Sea 9 Gas, Wishnefisky Global, Waterdance Int’l Concepts, Geospectra Energy, Deemah Integrated Services, Amari Energy Resources, VTT LNG West Africa, LNG Arete, and SSonic Petroleum.
Ekpo added that the essence of the agreements was to accelerate gas infrastructure development and deliver tangible economic benefits across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and more.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, described the agreement as a product of months of due diligence and strategic engagement with prospective partners. He said the deals provided a structured framework for implementation, risk management, and returns on investment.
“The joint venture agreements—covering operations, equity, and financial accounts—are tailored to ensure transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This is not just about documents. It’s about building trust, partnerships, and tangible infrastructure,” Adama said.
He noted that the benefits of the partnerships include access to capital, enhanced market positions, risk sharing, and operational efficiency.
The 10 projects are expected to generate jobs, drive industrial growth, and catalyse economic development across regions, while also strengthening Nigeria’s positioning in the evolving global energy landscape.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Jarigbe Jarigbe, who represented the leadership of the National Assembly, commended the MDGIF board and reaffirmed the legislature’s support for initiatives aimed at growing the gas economy.