The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s paradoxical situation as a gas-rich nation with strikingly low natural gas utilization.

He urged operators like SEPNU to collaborate with the government to address and rectify this issue.

Ekpo made this call during a meeting with SEPNU’s senior management, led by Managing Director Dotun Isiaka, at the NNPC Towers office in Abuja.

The meeting offered SEPNU’s leadership an opportunity to update the minister on their progress since assuming operatorship of assets from ExxonMobil in December 2024, with particular emphasis on the gas components of the divestment deal.

Ekpo stressed the government’s dedication to encouraging indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, boosting economic growth through sustainable energy development, and creating a favorable investment environment.

He also expressed his readiness to work closely with Seplat Energy to navigate legislative and regulatory challenges, ultimately enhancing the company’s capacity to deliver natural gas to the country.

Ekpo praised SEPNU’s management for the successful takeover, expressing confidence in their ability to accelerate Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs) negotiations and execution.

These agreements are vital for driving growth in the gas industry and ensuring the delivery of essential natural gas to the country through key projects.

The minister also stressed the importance of SEPNU fostering strong relationships with its host communities to create value for all stakeholders and strengthen its standing as a leading independent indigenous energy company.

Additionally, Ekpo urged SEPNU to stay focused on its project timelines, emphasizing that sticking to these schedules is crucial for the successful implementation of their projects and for achieving the positive outcomes needed for the nation’s economy.

The Managing Director of Seplat Energy, Dotun Isiaka, informed Ekpo that the company has been in discussions with potential off-takers for natural gas from their assets.

Isiaka sought the Minister’s cooperation in overcoming legislative and regulatory challenges, emphasizing that such support would facilitate their operations and help them achieve their targets for key gas projects.