NNPC says rising geopolitical tensions are creating fresh commercial openings for Nigeria’s vast gas reserves…..
Nigeria is beginning to reap unexpected gains from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as global energy buyers increasingly turn to the country for more reliable gas supply options.
An Executive Vice President at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olalekan Ogunleye, revealed that the disruption caused by the conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran is reshaping global energy demand patterns creating a window of opportunity for Nigeria.
Speaking at the global energy gathering, CERAWeek, in Houston, Ogunleye said Nigeria is increasingly attractive to buyers due to its strategic location and massive gas reserves.
“We are right in the middle of the market,” he said, noting that Nigeria’s proximity to Europe, the Atlantic Basin, and parts of Asia gives it a competitive edge in LNG exports.
Nigeria LNG Positioned for Growth
At the center of this opportunity is Nigeria LNG Limited, where NNPC remains the largest shareholder. The company currently has the capacity to export up to 22 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually.
Expansion plans are already underway, with a seventh production train expected to come on stream by 2027, further boosting Nigeria’s export capacity.
Ogunleye also disclosed that discussions have begun around adding two additional LNG trains, alongside a separate 12 million tonnes per annum project, as part of efforts to fully harness Nigeria’s estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves.
Beyond exports, the company is also exploring gas-powered industrial hubs to deepen domestic utilisation.
Global Uncertainty Driving Demand
Despite geopolitical instability, Ogunleye expressed confidence that demand for natural gas will remain strong, describing it as a resilient energy source even in times of crisis.
Industry experts agree. Energy consultant Martin Houston noted that the ongoing conflict has heightened the urgency for countries to diversify their energy sources and reduce reliance on volatile regions.
He pointed out that emerging suppliers in Africa and South America especially those with untapped gas resources stand to benefit from growing interest in alternative LNG supply options, including floating production systems.
Nigeria Pushes for Fresh Investment
Also speaking at the conference, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said the government is actively positioning the country as a top destination for global energy investment.
He described Nigeria’s crude as among the best globally and revealed that discussions have been held with major international oil companies, including Shell plc, Chevron Corporation, TotalEnergies, Eni S.p.A., and ExxonMobil.
According to him, recent policy reforms and regulatory clarity are beginning to shift investor sentiment in Nigeria’s favour.
“For years, Nigeria was not seen as competitive, but that is changing,” Lokpobiri said. “We now have stability, clearer fiscal terms, and a more predictable regulatory environment.”
He added that Nigeria has not experienced major upstream disruptions in over a decade, a factor he believes strengthens the country’s appeal amid global uncertainty.
A Strategic Moment for Nigeria
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global energy flows, Nigeria appears to be positioning itself as a reliable alternative supplier.
With expanding LNG capacity, ongoing reforms, and renewed investor interest, the country could be entering a pivotal moment, one that may redefine its role in the global energy market.
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