Shell has called for stronger collaboration between international oil companies and indigenous operators to accelerate gas development and position the resource as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The company said sustained policy consistency, infrastructure investment, and partnership-driven models were critical to unlocking the country’s vast gas potential.
General Manager of Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector, who was represented by the Head of Portfolio, Regulation and Supply, Chuka Amos-Ejesi, stated this at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos.
“There is a clear strategic case for collaboration. IOCs bring international experience, deep capital reserves, and strong technical and risk management frameworks, while independents bring local insight, agility, and operational flexibility in the Nigerian context,” Hector said.
He added that such partnerships should also build domestic capacity, saying, “Partnerships must build engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance capabilities locally.”
The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, Ralph Gbobo, in his remarks, said the company was investing in gas infrastructure across the country to support industries and expand access.
“SNG is developing infrastructure by building gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently, Yenagoa, and hopes to extend to other cities,” Gbobo said.
He described infrastructure as the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation journey, adding that such investments will not only improve access but also reduce costs and emissions, making gas a more viable option for industries and communities.
Gbobo also emphasised the importance of policy stability to attract long-term capital, saying, “Policy clarity and consistency are essential for attracting long-term investments, while effective collaboration is the catalyst for scale and innovation.”
He maintained that gas remained central to Nigeria’s energy transition and economic diversification, as it has immense opportunities.
“Gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition by providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels. It will enhance job creation, industrial diversification, and regional trade. The success of these levers will depend on collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
