•Philip Mshelbila, NLNG’s MD/CEO speaking at a strategic panel discussion session on gas development at the NOG Energy Week 2025, alongside Engr. Emeka Ene (L), CEO OIDA Energy Group and Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, EVP, Gas Power and New Energy, NNPCL, in Abuja…on Tuesday
NLNG has said that Africa’s and Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources can only drive development if stakeholders across the value chain adopt a performance-driven and integrated approach.
According to a statement, speaking at the 24th NOG Energy Week in Abuja during a panel session titled “Accelerating Gas Development for Domestic and Global Energy Needs,” NLNG’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, underscored the urgent need for collaboration and delivery-focused execution to transform Nigeria’s gas potential into tangible growth.
“Nigeria has abundant gas reserves, but that’s just the starting point,” he said. “You must locate it, produce it economically, transport it efficiently, and ensure an end-to-end value chain. Only then does LNG truly work.”
Mshelbila stressed that the global perception of Nigeria’s gas sector must be built on real performance, not rhetoric. “No amount of PowerPoint can replace results. Investors follow delivery, not marketing. That’s how nations like the U.S. and Qatar succeeded.”
He cited Nigeria’s own journey with NLNG as an example, noting the company’s momentum post-launch, driven by strong fundamentals and consistent expansion.
He acknowledged historical challenges around infrastructure, policy, and investment but said reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), improved governance, and presidential directives have begun restoring investor confidence. The result, he said, is renewed FDI and projects like NLNG’s Train 7, which will boost production to 30 million tonnes per annum.
Using Qatar as a benchmark, Mshelbila noted both countries started LNG operations at about the same time, but while Nigeria is hitting 30 mtpa, Qatar is aiming for over 140 mtpa. “That’s the level of ambition we should be targeting,” he said.
He also praised improved professionalism and integration across key stakeholders—government, regulators, communities, and investors—which he said is already leading to greater efficiency and reduced costs.
Panel members included Olalekan Ogunleye (EVP, Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Ltd); Engr. Chichi Emenike (Acting MD, Naconde Energy); Ralph Gbobo (MD, Shell Nigeria Gas); and moderator Engr. Emeka Ene (CEO, OIDA Energy Group).