The Federal Government has signed key joint venture agreements with ten companies to ramp up gas infrastructure across Nigeria. The deals, inked on Thursday in Abuja, involve the construction of gas processing plants and facilities aimed at strengthening supply capacity and enhancing domestic gas utilization.
The agreements, coordinated by the Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure Fund (MDIF), include multiple joint venture pacts—such as the Operating Agreement, Equity Agreement, and Accounts Agreement. Among the companies partnering with the government are Ant Energy Limited, Sub Sea 9 Gas, Waterdance International Concepts, and LNG Arete.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the agreements as a critical move to unlock Nigeria’s gas sector potential. “These deals align national goals with tangible action. They are a clear demonstration of our commitment to building energy security and economic resilience,” he said.
Ekpo noted that during President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, MDIF supported six companies working in midstream and downstream gas operations, driving innovation in gas processing, distribution, and use.
Wide-Ranging Projects to Expand Gas Access
Executive Director of MDIF, Mr. Oluwole Adama, outlined the scope of the agreements. Projects include:
- Six gas processing plants to produce commercial-grade natural gas in various forms.
- Three compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations to promote local gas use in transportation and industry.
- One bulk liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility to address supply chain limitations.
According to Adama, these efforts aim to close infrastructure gaps and foster nationwide industrial growth—from agriculture and manufacturing to the digital economy.
FG Launches Campus-Based CNG Transportation Initiative
In a related development, the government also launched the CNG Sprout Project, which will see the establishment of CNG conversion and refueling hubs in 20 universities across the country. The initiative, also funded by MDIF, will include the deployment of CNG-powered buses and tricycles to offer more affordable transport options for students and university staff.
Minister Ekpo hailed the project as a practical step toward delivering real value to Nigerians. “The MDIF is playing a transformative role in turning Nigeria’s Decade of Gas vision into reality,” he said.
The twin initiatives underscore the government’s broader strategy to deepen energy access, promote cleaner transportation, and build infrastructure that supports economic development across multiple sectors.
