Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has called on African nations to move beyond the role of raw material suppliers and position themselves as key players in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.
Speaking during a keynote address titled The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s deputy managing director, Olakunle Osobu, said Africa must take an active role in shaping discussions on energy security, affordability and sustainability.
Mr Osobu noted that Africa holds more than 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, representing about six percent of global reserves, adding that the continent has the resources and capacity to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.
He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in LNG development, citing the ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which will raise NLNG’s production capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA.
According to him, the project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to driving LNG growth for both export and domestic energy needs.
“Our investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access. We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” Osobu said.
He added that emerging LNG projects across the continent could add more than 45 MTPA of new supply, potentially increasing Africa’s total output from about 70 MTPA today to 120 MTPA by 2035.
Osobu also pointed out Africa’s geographical advantage, with shorter shipping routes to Europe and Asia, but cautioned that competitiveness, access to financing and environmental compliance remain major challenges.
He noted that global players such as the United States and Qatar are expanding their capacities, while investors increasingly demand low-carbon LNG projects.
He stressed that Africa’s LNG development must balance reliable global supply with industrial growth on the continent and adherence to decarbonisation goals.
Africa Energy Week 2025, organised by the African Energy Chamber, brought together policymakers, investors and industry leaders to discuss strategies for advancing the continent’s energy sector.
