As the world gathers in Beijing for the 29th World Gas Conference, Nigeria LNG takes center stage in global gas discussions.
As the curtains rise on the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) in Beijing, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has emerged as a central figure in global energy discussions. At the heart of this prestigious gathering, NLNG’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, will join a panel of international industry leaders in a high-level plenary session titled “The Diversity of Gas Development Globally” on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at 9:00 am.
The conference, a flagship event of the International Gas Union, brings together policymakers, corporate executives, engineers, and thought leaders to explore pathways for natural gas in a decarbonizing world. For Nigeria, the presence of NLNG at this critical platform is more than symbolic—it marks a bold assertion of the country’s stake in the future of global energy.
From Gas Flaring to Global Leadership
NLNG’s story is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s effort to transition from decades of gas flaring to becoming a responsible exporter of liquefied natural gas. Incorporated in 1989 and beginning operations a decade later, NLNG transformed Nigeria’s energy landscape by capturing and processing natural gas previously wasted during oil production.
Through a shareholder structure comprising the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni, NLNG pioneered public-private cooperation to drive export-led growth. Today, the company operates six LNG production trains with a combined capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), supplying major global markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Train 7 and the Next Chapter
The launch of Train 7, a $10 billion expansion project, signaled a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s place in the global LNG space. Designed to increase production capacity by an additional 8mtpa, Train 7 represents the future of Nigerian gas infrastructure, with strong emphasis on local content, technology transfer, and job creation.
Speaking on the sidelines of WGC2025, an NLNG spokesperson noted that the project “isn’t just about volumes—it’s about value for Nigeria and the world.”
Resilience in the Face of Global Disruption
The global gas industry has faced significant headwinds over the past five years. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered market instability, demand shocks, and logistical challenges. Yet, NLNG navigated these storms with operational discipline, maintaining output and honoring supply contracts while prioritizing health and safety.
At the same time, the company deepened its commitment to Nigeria’s energy goals, aligning with the federal government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative. Under Mshelbila’s leadership, NLNG began to position natural gas as the fuel of the future—affordable, accessible, and climate-friendly.
Energizing Nigeria: The Domestic LPG Push
While exports remain central to its operations, NLNG has actively expanded its domestic footprint. Its Domestic LPG Expansion Programme has been a game-changer in improving access to clean cooking energy across Nigeria.
By dedicating 100% of its LPG production to the local market, NLNG has helped grow national LPG consumption from under 50,000 metric tonnes in 2007 to over 1 million metric tonnes annually, reducing dependence on biomass fuels and improving public health outcomes.
This pivot reflects a broader strategy: use Nigeria’s gas to power homes, industries, and progress—not just to fuel ships overseas.
A Sustainability-Focused Outlook
The role of gas in the global energy transition has come under increasing scrutiny. While natural gas emits significantly fewer emissions than coal and oil, stakeholders are demanding cleaner production processes and transparent climate strategies.
NLNG has responded by embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations. Its Bonny Island plant incorporates emissions control technologies, while the company has invested in data-driven monitoring and reporting.
Community engagement is also central to its ethos. From education to healthcare and infrastructure, NLNG’s social investment programmes continue to uplift host communities, making it a benchmark for responsible corporate citizenship in Africa.
WGC2025: A Platform for Strategic Influence
The importance of NLNG’s participation at WGC2025 cannot be overstated. With global LNG demand expected to rise sharply—driven by energy security concerns and decarbonisation efforts—Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture.
“The plenary session on ‘The Diversity of Gas Development Globally’ offers a timely platform for us to share lessons from Africa and to contribute meaningfully to shaping global policy,” said Dr. Mshelbila in a pre-conference statement.
Analysts believe NLNG’s presence in Beijing underlines a wider continental ambition: Africa must not only supply the world’s gas—it must help shape how the world uses it.
The African Narrative in Global Gas
Gas development is not monolithic. From the shale-driven revolution in North America to mega-LNG projects in Qatar and Australia, the industry reflects a patchwork of geography, policy, and ambition.
Africa brings its own narrative—rich in resources but constrained by infrastructure and investment gaps. NLNG’s journey provides a blueprint for bridging that gap through collaboration, innovation, and long-term vision.
By sharing its experience at WGC2025, the company aims to foster knowledge exchange, attract investment, and advocate for equitable transition pathways for gas-producing developing countries.
Charting the Path Forward
As the global gas community wraps up deliberations in Beijing, NLNG’s agenda remains focused on execution and expansion. Key priorities include:
- Completing and commissioning Train 7
- Exploring opportunities for Train 8 and beyond
- Scaling up domestic gas supply for power, transport, and industry
- Investing in carbon reduction and renewable-integrated solutions
- Building technical capacity and local expertise
The company has also hinted at new partnerships to drive regional energy integration, particularly in West and Central Africa.
A Legacy of Impact
For a company that began with a mission to stop gas flaring, NLNG has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most significant economic assets and a respected player in the global gas industry.
Its journey speaks to what is possible when vision aligns with action, and profit aligns with purpose.
WGC2025 may last only a week, but the conversations it sparks will shape decades. As NLNG takes its seat at the table, it does so not as a guest—but as a host of new ideas, bold ambitions, and a clear roadmap for energy that works for everyone.
Follow NLNG at #WGC2025 to stay updated on Nigeria’s role in global gas development.
#NLNG #WGC2025 #GlobalGas #EnergyLeadership #NigeriaGasForward
This article is part of our special WGC2025 coverage focused on African perspectives in the global energy landscape.
Got insights from Beijing or reactions to this piece? Share your views using the hashtag #NigeriaAtWGC2025.
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