PANDEF Applauds President Tinubu For Granting 15-Year Gas Supply To UTM Offshore For Nigeria’s First Floating LNG

The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15-year gas supply framework to UTM Offshore Limited for the development of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, FLNG, facility.

In a letter signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, PANDEF described the approval as a “momentous” step that will accelerate the industrialization of the Niger Delta and position the South-South region at the center of Nigeria’s gas-driven economic future.

“I have the honour to write most respectfully to express the appreciation of the Board and the leadership of PANDEF to you over the granting of 15 years gas supply framework to UTM Offshore Limited, an indigenous company in the Niger Delta, to enable them build our country’s first floating LNG,” Amb. Igali stated.

He noted that the multi-billion-dollar project, intended for location offshore Akwa Ibom State, will drive rapid economic development across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“PANDEF considers your approval of this gas supply momentous as it will add significantly to the efforts which are at different levels to bring about the rapid industrialisation of the Niger Delta,” he said.

According to PANDEF, the project will meaningfully launch the entire South-South region and the country into a new era of gas-based development led by indigenous companies, including UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and NNPCL.

The group said the commencement of construction by Dr. Julius Rone, OFR, will inspire other young entrepreneurs to invest in gas beneficiation.

“As would be expected, the commencement of construction of this giant investment being undertaken by a relatively young person, Dr Julius Rone, OFR, from the area would be a great inspiration to others to also join the efforts of Government in adding value in the beneficiation of the country’s rich gas reserves,” Amb. Igali said.

He added that the construction phase alone will generate significant jobs in the short and medium term and stimulate broader economic growth activities.

PANDEF also highlighted the social and environmental impact of the project.

“Even at the social level, we are hopeful that this project and many like it which will come in the future will help to raise the standard of living of the people of the area, by stemming the tide of skyrocketing domestic and industrial gas prices. At another level, this will also help to combat the scourge of gas flaring, which has for many decades contributed to pollution in the area.”

The Forum urged the Federal Government to sustain all necessary cooperation with the project team to ensure delivery within the stated timelines.

“It is our hope that the Federal Government will continue to extend all necessary cooperation to the project team to enable deliver this endeavour within the stated timelines,” the letter read.

*PANDEF Pledges Community Support*
Reaffirming its commitment, PANDEF assured President Tinubu of its role in mobilizing support across the Niger Delta, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, to guarantee a conducive environment for the project.

“On our part, we take the opportunity to assure Mr. President that PANDEF will be at the fulcrum in galvanizing support of the people of the Niger Delta, in particular our people in Akwa Ibom State to ensure that the right environment exists locally for the take-off of the project and throughout its life span,” Amb. Igali said.

He concluded: “Please accept, dear Mr. President the assurances of our utmost regards and prayers for your wellbeing.”

The UTM Offshore FLNG project is expected to be a major boost to Nigeria’s gas monetization drive and a key milestone in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative.