Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited has called on African nations to adopt a unified approach to dominate the global liquefied natural gas market.
NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, emphasized that Africa must move beyond its role as a raw material supplier and become a key player in the LNG market. With over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Africa has the potential to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.
The continent’s strategic advantage includes shorter shipping routes to both Europe and Asia, making it an attractive LNG supplier. However, Osobu noted that competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain significant challenges. Africa’s LNG output is expected to rise from 70 million tonnes per annum to 120 MTPA by 2035, driven by emerging LNG projects across the continent.
These projects collectively represent over 45 MTPA of potential new supply. Osobu highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s LNG sector, citing the ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which will increase NLNG’s production capacity from 22 MTPA to 30 MTPA. “We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” Osobu said.
He emphasized the need for Africa’s LNG development to strike a balance between supplying the world reliably, catalyzing African industrialization, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonization goals. The Africa Energy Week 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape the continent’s energy future.
Osobu stressed that Africa’s LNG journey must prioritize sustainability, competitiveness, and domestic responsibility to achieve its full potential. With Nigeria at the forefront, Africa is poised to become a major player in the global LNG market. As Osobu noted, “Our investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access.”
Africa’s LNG future looks promising, with the continent’s natural gas reserves and strategic location positioning it for significant growth in the global market.
