Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has called for increased investment in infrastructure and a stable regulatory environment to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s gas sector.
Speaking on Tuesday, at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja, SNG Managing Director Ralph Gbobo said large-scale infrastructure projects and human capital development are essential to driving growth in the domestic gas industry.
“Major investments are required to develop large scale infrastructure along the gas value chain (pipelines, gas processing plants, gas distribution networks) as well as human capacity development,” he said during a panel session themed “Accelerating gas development for domestic and global energy needs.”
Gbobo also emphasised the importance of consistent policies and fiscal stability to boost investor confidence.
“A stable and transparent regulatory and fiscal regime is also essential to creating a predictable and secure operating environment which enhances investor confidence,” he stated.
He stressed the need for technology to optimise operations, noting that digital innovations can greatly improve efficiency and attract investment.
“Technology-driven advancements such as remote data gathering systems, remote monitoring, real-time data analytics, digital solutions, autonomous operations systems, smart metering and monitoring, predictive analytics systems will play a significant role in improving the efficiency, sustainability and growth of the domestic gas sector, and enhancing its attractiveness to investors,” he said.
Gbobo noted that SNG, which was established in 1998, is expanding its distribution network to new locations.
“The company is developing new gas distribution networks in Oyo and Bayelsa states, while also expanding its systems to cater for more industries in Ogun, Rivers and Abia states,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of partnerships in developing Nigeria’s gas resources.
“The milestones recorded by Shell proved the value of partnerships and collaboration towards the development of Nigeria’s gas resources, as this can aggregate investment capital, facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building, enhance skills and build expertise, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s domestic gas sector.”
Meanwhile, Shell hosted a dinner at the NOG Conference as part of its support for the annual event.
Speaking on behalf of Shell Nigeria’s executive vice president and country chair, Marno de Jong, the company’s vice president, gas and commercial, Rohan D’Souza, described the conference as a major platform for dialogue in the energy sector.
Marno said: “Shell has been part of the NOG story and is Diamond sponsor of this year’s event in line with our commitment to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, dating back to our presence in the country some 60 years ago.”