FG backs ANOH expansion as gas sector gains momentum

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting gas infrastructure development as the ANOH Gas Processing Plant (AGPP) ramps up production, underscoring the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s ambition to build a gas-powered economy.

This commitment was reiterated during a courtesy visit by James Makinde, the Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), and members of the company’s executive management team to Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), in Abuja.

The meeting provided an opportunity for AGPC to update the Federal Government on the progress of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, one of Nigeria’s flagship midstream gas infrastructure projects, while exploring areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating gas sector development.

Makinde informed the minister that the ANOH plant had successfully commenced commercial operations and is currently processing approximately 150 million standard cubic feet of wet gas per day (MMscfd) during its initial stabilization phase.

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Designed to process about 300 MMscfd of wet gas from the ANOH Field in OML 53, the facility is expected to gradually increase throughput as it advances toward full operational capacity.

“The successful transition of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant into commercial operations marks a significant milestone not only for AGPC but also for Nigeria’s gas sector and the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas agenda,” Makinde said.

“Since start-up, the facility has demonstrated stable and reliable operations and is currently processing approximately 150 MMscfd during its initial stabilization phase, with a clear pathway towards achieving its full design capacity of 300 MMscfd.”

According to him, the plant is strategically positioned to strengthen domestic gas supply, support industrial and commercial consumers, improve energy security and create long-term economic value for the country.

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The discussions also focused on opportunities to deepen cooperation between AGPC and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) in advancing key gas development initiatives, expanding gas infrastructure, promoting domestic gas utilisation and unlocking the country’s vast gas reserves.

Responding, Ekpo congratulated AGPC on the successful commencement of commercial operations at the facility, describing the development as an important milestone for Nigeria’s gas industry.

The minister commended the company’s progress in bringing the project into operation and noted that the steady increase in processing volumes reflects its growing contribution to the country’s gas development objectives.

He said the progress at the ANOH plant reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading gas producer and aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda.

Ekpo reiterated that gas development remains a central pillar of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the government is committed to leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to drive industrialisation, improve energy access, strengthen energy security and promote economic growth.

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“The Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for gas projects to thrive. Gas remains central to our economic transformation agenda, and the Ministry will continue to provide the necessary support required to drive growth across the sector,” the minister said.

“We are encouraged by the progress being made at the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and look forward to its continued ramp-up towards full capacity.”

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s gas sector through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investment and operational excellence aimed at expanding energy access, supporting industrial growth, creating jobs and delivering wider economic benefits.

The visit concluded with both AGPC and the ministry pledging continued collaboration to support Nigeria’s gas aspirations, energy transition objectives and efforts to unlock greater value from the country’s vast natural gas resources.