Seplat Energy Plc has called for accelerated investment across Nigeria’s natural gas value chain, saying stronger infrastructure and sustained funding are essential to improving energy security, expanding industrial production and establishing the country as Africa’s leading gas powerhouse.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Effiong Okon, made the call at the Gas Investment Forum (GIF) 2026 in Lagos on September 30, 2026. He was represented at the event by Okechukwu Mba, Seplat Energy’s Director of Gas & New Energy.

Okon said Nigeria’s proven gas reserves exceed 215 trillion cubic feet, but unlocking their economic value requires continued investment in production, processing, transportation and utilisation infrastructure.

Speaking at the conference, themed “Positioning Nigeria as Africa’s Global Gas Powerhouse,” he also highlighted the scale of energy poverty across the continent, noting that an estimated 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity.

“Gas reserves in the ground do not power homes or factories. Gas creates value only when it is produced and reliably delivered to consumers. The task before us is to convert Nigeria’s vast gas endowment into tangible economic growth, industrial development and energy access for millions of people,” he said.

The Seplat Energy chief executive acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to improve investment conditions in the gas sector. He particularly welcomed initiatives to address legacy debts across the gas-to-power value chain, which are helping improve the bankability of gas projects.

He also cited recent final investment decisions on major energy projects and the commencement of operations on the OB3 gas pipeline as important developments for Nigeria’s gas industry.

Okon attributed improvements in the investment climate partly to policy reforms, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which he said was helping establish a more transparent and investor-friendly environment.

He also pointed to the contributions of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in strengthening regulatory certainty and addressing infrastructure gaps.

On international market opportunities, Okon said Nigeria’s strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea provides an advantage in supplying gas to regional and international markets, including Europe, while meeting rising energy demand across Africa.

He highlighted Seplat Energy’s investments in domestic gas infrastructure over the past decade, including the 375 MMscfd Oben Gas Plant, the 90 MMscfd Sapele Gas Plant and the flagship 300 MMscfd ANOH Gas Plant. Together, these facilities reinforce the company’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading domestic gas suppliers.

According to Okon, Seplat supplies gas directly to six power stations and serves numerous industrial customers through gas distribution networks. The company’s ANOH Gas Plant also supplies gas to fertiliser manufacturers, supporting Nigeria’s food security objectives.

He added that Seplat’s acquisition of ExxonMobil’s onshore and offshore assets had substantially increased domestic supplies of butane and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Meanwhile, ongoing investments in compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure are extending access to cleaner, more affordable energy for consumers outside existing pipeline networks.

“Together, these investments demonstrate Seplat Energy’s commitment to supporting government efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and accelerate gas-led economic growth,” he said.

Okon also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, disclosing that Seplat ended routine gas flaring across its onshore operations at the end of 2025, significantly reducing its operational emissions intensity.

In his concluding remarks, he urged government officials, industry players and financial institutions to collaborate on projects that can convert “gas molecules into electrons” to support Nigeria’s industrial development.

“Nigerians cannot wait any longer. We must move from discussions to implementation and create the partnerships and investments necessary to fully realise the promise of our gas resources,” he said.

The Gas Investment Forum brings together policymakers, regulators, investors and industry leaders to examine opportunities to accelerate gas development and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional and global energy markets.