Shell has urged deeper collaboration between international oil companies and indigenous operators to drive Nigeria’s gas development and accelerate industrial growth across the country.
The energy giant said sustainable policy direction, increased investment in infrastructure, and strong partnerships were key to unlocking Nigeria’s enormous gas reserves.
Speaking at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum in Lagos, Shell Energy Nigeria’s General Manager, Markus Hector, said collaboration between international and local players was vital to building a resilient gas industry.
Hector, who was represented by the company’s Head of Portfolio, Regulation and Supply, Chuka Amos-Ejesi, said joint efforts would create a more efficient and competitive gas sector.
“There is a clear strategic case for collaboration,” Hector said. “IOCs bring international experience, deep capital reserves, and strong technical and risk management frameworks, while indigenous operators bring local insight, agility, and operational flexibility within the Nigerian context.”
He explained that such partnerships must go beyond profit sharing to include capacity building and technology transfer to strengthen domestic participation.
“Partnerships must build engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance capabilities locally,” Hector said.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas potential remains largely untapped, despite the resource being capable of transforming the nation’s economy if properly harnessed.
He noted that gas could serve as the foundation for industrialisation, providing cleaner energy for power generation and manufacturing.
Shell Nigeria Gas Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, also highlighted the company’s ongoing investments in gas infrastructure across the country.
“SNG is developing infrastructure by building gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently Yenagoa,” Gbobo said. “We hope to extend to other cities soon.”
He described infrastructure development as the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation, saying it would improve access, reduce costs, and promote cleaner energy use.
Gbobo said Shell’s investments are designed to make natural gas a more affordable and reliable energy option for industries and communities.
He stressed that policy consistency and regulatory stability remain vital to attracting long-term investment in the gas sector.
“Policy clarity and consistency are essential for attracting long-term investments,” Gbobo said. “Effective collaboration is the catalyst for scale and innovation.”
He said Nigeria’s vast gas resources present immense opportunities for job creation, industrial expansion, and economic diversification.
According to him, gas plays a central role in Nigeria’s energy transition strategy, helping to replace more carbon-intensive fuels like diesel and heavy fuel oil.
“Gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition by providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels,” Gbobo said.
He added that expanding gas utilisation would strengthen industries, foster regional trade, and position Nigeria as a key energy hub in Africa.
Gbobo called for more public-private partnerships to scale up gas production, processing, and distribution infrastructure across the country.
He said collaboration between local operators, foreign investors, and government agencies would drive innovation and accelerate progress toward Nigeria’s energy goals.
Industry stakeholders at the forum agreed that gas development remains the most viable pathway for achieving economic growth and sustainability in Nigeria.
They also emphasised that long-term success will depend on regulatory reforms, investment incentives, and the active participation of indigenous companies.
Shell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s gas expansion agenda, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, skills, and sustainable energy solutions.
The company said its goal is to work with partners to build a world-class gas industry capable of powering Nigeria’s future.
