KEY POINTS
- 15-year gas supply framework for UTM Offshore’s planned FLNG project in Akwa Ibom.
- The project is expected to drive jobs, investment and industrialisation while encouraging greater indigenous participation in Nigeria’s gas industry.
- PANDEF says increased gas utilisation could support energy security, reduce gas flaring and boost economic development across the Niger Delta.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum,PANDEF, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15-year gas supply framework for UTM Offshore Limited, describing the decision as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s gas sector and promoting indigenous participation in the energy industry.
PANDEF said the approval could unlock progress on UTM Offshore’s ambitious plan to construct Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility offshore Akwa Ibom State, a project it believes could transform the economic outlook of the Niger Delta and contribute significantly to the wider Nigerian economy.
In a letter of appreciation dated August 6, 2026, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, praised the Federal Government for creating an environment that could allow the multi-billion-dollar investment to move forward.
According to the forum, the project represents more than an energy investment, as its potential impact extends to employment, industrial development, local entrepreneurship, investment and greater utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.
UTM FLNG Project Seen as Major Gas Development
PANDEF described the planned FLNG facility as an important component of Nigeria’s efforts to transition from simply producing natural resources to adding value to its gas reserves through indigenous industrial capacity.
The forum said the development could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global gas market while simultaneously supporting domestic energy needs.
PANDEF pointed to the growing involvement of Nigerian-linked companies in the country’s gas industry, citing UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) as examples of companies participating in the development and commercialisation of Nigeria’s gas resources.
The forum argued that the successful implementation of the UTM project could encourage other Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors to pursue large-scale energy projects.
PANDEF particularly highlighted the role of UTM Offshore founder, Dr Julius Rone, describing his involvement in the project as an encouraging example of indigenous entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta.
The organisation said the fact that a relatively young entrepreneur from the region is spearheading a major gas investment could inspire more people from the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria to participate in the development of the country’s energy resources.
Igali said the commencement of construction would demonstrate that Nigerian entrepreneurs could play a leading role in transforming the country’s natural resources into commercially viable assets.
For PANDEF, this aspect of the project is particularly important because it aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that communities and businesses in resource-producing areas have greater participation in the value chain.
