The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has officially lauded President Bola Tinubu for authorizing a 15-year gas supply agreement for UTM Offshore Limited. This critical approval clears the path for the development of Nigeria’s inaugural Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility.
Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, emphasized that this decision marks a major advancement for industrialization in the Niger Delta. The multi-billion-dollar project, slated for offshore Akwa Ibom State, is expected to provide a substantial boost to both regional and national economic growth.
Igali highlighted that the initiative empowers indigenous firms to play a larger role in the gas sector, potentially shifting the nation toward a gas-driven economy. He specifically praised Dr. Julius Rone, Managing Director of UTM Offshore Limited, for leading an effort that encourages domestic entrepreneurship.
Beyond economic benefits, PANDEF anticipates that the project will create jobs and help mitigate environmental damage by reducing gas flaring. Igali noted that such investments could stabilize domestic gas prices, thereby improving the living standards of local residents.
In closing, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to maintain its support for the project’s timeline. The organization also pledged to help foster a stable environment for the construction and operation of the facility by working closely with stakeholders in the Niger Delta and Akwa Ibom State.
