NNPC Signs Six Landmark Gas Deals to Drive Industrial Growth, Boost Nigeria’s Energy Security

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has signed six major gas agreements with strategic partners in a landmark move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s gas-based industrialisation agenda, strengthening domestic gas supply, and enhancing the nation’s energy security.

The agreements, executed on the sidelines of the 25th NOG Energy Week in Abuja, are expected to unlock new investments, revitalise critical industries, improve gas transportation infrastructure, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.

The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on July 7, 2026.

The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), a Gas Sale and Aggregation Agreement (GSAA) with ASCL, a Gas Sale Agreement (GSA) with UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG), as well as Network Entry Agreements with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), AGPC, and NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL).

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the agreements as a major milestone in advancing the Federal Government’s vision of using natural gas as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic transformation.

“What we are witnessing today is not just about signing agreements. It is about igniting the engine of Nigeria’s industrialisation. Gas is the key. It is a source of revenue and profit. It is also the only product that can have that level of industrial impact on Nigeria, more than any other hydrocarbon,” Ojulari said.

He explained that the agreements reflect NNPC Ltd’s commitment to transparency, efficiency and the implementation of a standardised framework for nationwide gas utilisation that will unlock new domestic gas supply capacity.

According to him, the strategic partnerships will deepen local content, improve energy security and accelerate Nigeria’s emergence as a globally competitive industrial economy.

“These agreements signal a new era of strategic partnerships that will drive local content, enhance energy security and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a global industrial powerhouse. NNPC Ltd remains the partner of choice, and we look forward to greater collaboration with industry stakeholders,” he added.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the partnership between NNPC Ltd and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, which seeks to revive Nigeria’s steel industry while supporting the production of raw materials for oil and gas pipeline manufacturing.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, both organisations agreed to extend their collaboration beyond gas supply to facilitate the production of steel pipes required for strategic national infrastructure projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) Phase III.

The agreement is anchored on revitalising the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and expanding domestic gas utilisation through the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code.

In addition, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) and ASCL signed a 20-year Gas Sale and Aggregation Agreement, which provides for the supply of 3 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of firm gas and 47 MMscf/d of interruptible gas to power the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

NNPC Ltd and its joint venture partner, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), also signed a 15-year Wet Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement with UTM FLNG Limited.

Under the deal, the joint venture will supply 200 MMscf/d of natural gas to the UTM Floating LNG Project, providing long-term feed gas required to support project financing and facilitate a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Further strengthening Nigeria’s domestic gas market, NNPC Ltd also completed the migration of legacy interconnection agreements to the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code through the execution of Network Entry Agreements with Chevron Nigeria Limited, AGPC and NEPL.

The agreements are expected to inject up to 800 MMscf/d of natural gas into the national transportation network, significantly improving gas supply to power plants, gas-based industries and industrial clusters while enhancing network efficiency and operational flexibility.

The landmark signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen; Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; and the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Rabiu Umar.

The agreements were signed during the milestone 25th NOG Energy Week, themed “Advancing Energy Ambitions for Competitive & Resilient Economies,” which highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships in unlocking energy opportunities and driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.