In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s unsettling impacts on gas supplies, the European Union (EU) is strategically eyeing stronger diplomatic ties with dependable Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) providers, including Nigeria, to mitigate the current energy crunch.
According to a report by This Day Live, Kadri Simson, the EU’s Energy Commissioner in Nigeria, underscored this strategic shift during a recent visit to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited facility on Bonny Island, Rivers State. In 2022 alone, Nigeria’s LNG exports to Europe reached 9.4 billion cubic meters, highlighting the country’s role as a crucial energy partner.
While touring NLNG’s operational heart, including the Central Control Room (CCR), plant complex, and the under-construction Train 7 site, Simson emphasized the urgency of expanding Nigeria’s gas contributions to Europe, particularly through 2027. This collaboration, she noted, is essential for the EU to navigate its energy transition phase, filling the void left by diminished Russian imports.
“Strengthening our partnership with reliable LNG providers like Nigeria is a short-term imperative for the EU. This approach is pivotal in addressing the immediate supply gaps as we progressively move towards alternative fuels,” Simson explained.
On his part, Philip Mshelbila, NLNG’s CEO, highlighted Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative as a cornerstone for global energy stability. This extensive strategy, spanning 2021 to 2030, not only capitalizes on Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves but also guarantees a consistent, eco-friendly energy supply worldwide.
Mshelbila emphasized the necessity for all stakeholders to act decisively and collaboratively. He identified Nigeria’s significant standing, ranking sixth globally in natural gas reserves, arguing that unlocking this potential is paramount for the country’s resurgence as an energy juggernaut and for steering a path towards an environmentally sustainable future.
“It takes more than resources; it requires innovation, strategic partnerships, and steadfast resolve. If we leverage these, we can redefine global energy dynamics, spur economic growth, generate employment, and tackle ecological challenges head-on,” Mshelbila affirmed.
He further noted that ongoing projects, including the Train 7 expansion—poised to increase NLNG’s output capacity to 30 million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA)—and future developments, signify transformative strides for the gas sector.
The visit, encapsulated in a dialogue between the EU delegation and NLNG’s top executives, including Production General Manager Nnamdi Anowi and External Relations and Sustainable Development General Manager Andy Odeh, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy discourse, potentially setting the stage for an era of increased investment, collaboration, and mutual growth in the gas sector.
