Shell urges sustained actions to position gas as engine of development
Senior executives of Shell Energy Nigeria have called for sustained and coordinated actions to attract and retain investments in the nation’s gas sector, emphasizing that such efforts are critical to driving Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialization.
Speaking at the 3rd Edition of the Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos this week, Shell leaders highlighted the importance of investments in key infrastructure, policy consistency, and strategic partnerships as the main enablers for developing Nigeria’s vast gas potential.
During the event, General Manager of Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector, and Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), Ralph Gbobo, both delivered insights on how Nigeria can maximize opportunities in its gas value chain.
Represented by Chuka Amos-Ejesi, Head of Portfolio, Regulation, and Supply, Markus Hector noted during a panel session on “Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Imperative: Driving Investments through IOC–Independent Partnerships” that collaboration between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and local independents is vital.
“There is a clear strategic case for collaboration,” Markus said. “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.”
He emphasized that such partnerships should not only foster investment but also build domestic capacity across engineering, supply chains, operations, and maintenance.
On his part, Ralph Gbobo noted during his opening remarks that SNG is already leading by example through the development of gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and most recently, Yenagoa — with plans to expand to other cities.
He described infrastructure as “the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation journey,” stressing that investments in this area will improve access, reduce costs and emissions, and make gas a more viable energy option for industries and communities.
Gbobo further called for policy clarity and consistency to attract long-term investments, adding that effective collaboration remains the key to achieving scale and innovation in the sector.
“The opportunities are immense,” he said. “Gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition, providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels, enhancing job creation, industrial diversification, and regional trade. The success of these efforts will depend on collaboration between the public and private sectors.”
The Gas Investment Forum convened industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and key stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across the gas value chain—from upstream to midstream and downstream—further reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to its Decade of Gas initiative.
