President Tinubu vows to support completion of Africa’s largest gas project
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the support of the Federal Government for the completion of Africa’s largest gas project, led by Nigerian firm UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Limited and its foreign partners.
During a meeting with the company’s management and its technical partners, Technip Energies of France and JGC of Japan, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to removing any obstacles that may delay the timely completion of the project.
President Tinubu commended UTM FLNG Limited and its partners for their initiative and partnership in the gas project. He emphasized the importance of such collaborations in promoting growth within the extractive industry, which requires the injection of external expertise.
The President acknowledged the significant investment made by the conglomerate, which would not only foster growth but also contribute to environmental protection.
Mr. Julius Rone, the Managing Director and CEO of UTM Offshore Limited, briefed President Tinubu on the project’s alignment with his promise to develop Nigeria’s gas resources as a sustainable energy source and catalyst for economic development.
“The facility, expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, aims to process 1.5 million metric tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas for the foreign market and produce 300,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic consumption” Mr. Julius revealed.
Mr. Rone also sought President Tinubu’s support in eliminating any obstacles that could jeopardize the project’s timely delivery.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, hailed the project as a significant milestone, solidifying France’s presence in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
She highlighted that the facility would contribute to the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda by tapping into Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves. Additionally, she noted that the gas from Nigeria could serve as a viable alternative source for Europe.
The delegation also included the Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Hiromi Otuski, the Managing Director of JGC, Mr. Naoki Noguchi, and Project Advisor, Mr. Sadeeq Mai Bornu.
