NLNG CEO Calls for Infrastructure Investment to Unlock Nigeria’s Gas Potential at NOG Energy Week 2025

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, has emphasized the urgent need for critical infrastructure investment to unlock Nigeria’s vast natural gas potential.

Dr Mshelbila advanced this proposition on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, when he spoke at a panel session during the 24th annual NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

During the session titled “Accelerating Gas Development for Domestic and Global Energy Needs,” the NLNG boss addressed key challenges and opportunities in accelerating gas development to meet both domestic and global energy demands.

Mshelbila reiterated that while Nigeria possesses abundant gas resources, issues such as low investment, poor infrastructure, and delays in decision-making have significantly hampered the country’s ability to monetise these reserves.

He specifically pointed to Africa’s limited pipeline infrastructure particularly in sub-Saharan Africa as a core obstacle.

“Nigeria has just about 7,000km of gas pipelines compared to France’s 37,000km, despite having a population nearly four times larger,” he said.

“This lack of critical pipeline infrastructure renders vast natural gas reserves inaccessible and underutilised, not just in Nigeria but across the continent.”

He added that recent policy reforms and improved coordination are beginning to move the sector forward.

As an example, he highlighted NLNG’s Train 7 project, which is showing significant progress thanks to strategic planning and sustained support.

“The success we’re witnessing with Train 7 proves that when planning, policy, and execution align, we can boost output and deliver real value,” Mshelbila stated.

He concluded by stressing that natural resources alone are not enough for progress.

“Success requires working together, staying focused, and building for the long term. Nigeria has made it work before and with continued teamwork, we can do even more.”

NOG Energy Week 2025 brought together global energy leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators for five days of bold dialogue, strategic partnerships, and actionable insights. The conference connected players across the energy value chain, from oil and gas to renewables, finance, technology, and logistics, focused on shaping a secure, just, and sustainable energy future for Africa.