Ekpo Tasks AMNI, TotalEnergies to Fast-Track $800m Ima Gas Project

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has challenged AMNI International and TotalEnergies Nigeria to move swiftly from Final Investment Decision (FID) to execution of the Ima Gas Development Project, warning that project delivery will ultimately determine the value of the investment milestone.

He gave the charge following the FID reached by the AMNI International/TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited Joint Venture on the gas development project in Abuja.

While describing the FID as a major milestone for Nigeria’s gas sector, Mr Ekpo said the government’s priority was now to ensure that the project was delivered efficiently and brought on stream as planned.

“The FID is an important step, but delivery is what ultimately matters,” Mr Ekpo said.

“I urge the Joint Venture partners to sustain this momentum and work closely with the relevant government institutions to ensure the timely and efficient execution of the project.”

The minister’s emphasis on execution comes as the Federal Government seeks to accelerate oil and gas projects and convert investment commitments into actual production, infrastructure and economic activity.

Mr Ekpo attributed the FID to improved investor confidence following policy reforms and Executive Orders approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improve the investment climate and accelerate project delivery across the industry.

He said the Ima development demonstrated the potential of combining indigenous enterprise with international energy expertise to unlock Nigeria’s gas resources.

“I commend AMNI International and TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited for their confidence in Nigeria and for reaching this important milestone,” he said.

“The partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when indigenous enterprise and international energy expertise come together to unlock our abundant gas resources.”

Mr Ekpo said the project would have benefits beyond additional gas production, including opportunities for Nigerian businesses, employment, local-content participation, skills development and technology transfer.

He said the government would continue providing policy and regulatory support for investments that expand gas production and utilisation, strengthen infrastructure and create economic opportunities.

The minister said the project, which is expected to come on stream in 2028, is also aligned with the objectives of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative.