The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a 15-year gas supply framework to UTM Offshore Limited for the construction of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, FLNG project.
The forum said the approval would give a major boost to the industrialisation of the Niger Delta and strengthen indigenous participation in the development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources.
PANDEF National Chairman, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, made the commendation in a letter of appreciation dated August 6, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu.
Igali described the approval as “momentous,” saying the multi-billion-dollar FLNG project, planned for offshore Akwa Ibom State, would stimulate economic development across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
According to PANDEF, the project represents a significant step towards ushering the South-South region and the country into a new era of gas-based development driven by indigenous companies.
The forum noted that the project involves UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and NNPC, describing the initiative as an important demonstration of the capacity of Nigerian companies to participate meaningfully in the development of the country’s gas industry.
PANDEF also praised the Managing Director of UTM Offshore, Dr. Julius Rone, OFR, describing the investment by the young Niger Delta entrepreneur as an inspiration to others to contribute to the development and beneficiation of Nigeria’s gas resources.
The forum said the construction phase of the project would generate employment opportunities in the short and medium term while stimulating other economic activities in the region.
Beyond its economic benefits, PANDEF said the project could also contribute to improving living standards in the Niger Delta by helping to address the high cost of domestic and industrial gas.
It further expressed optimism that increased utilisation of Nigeria’s gas resources would help tackle the longstanding problem of gas flaring, which has contributed to environmental pollution in oil-producing communities.
PANDEF urged the Federal Government to continue providing the necessary support and cooperation to the project team to ensure that the FLNG facility is delivered within the stated timeline.
The forum also pledged its support for the project, assuring the President that it would mobilise the people of the Niger Delta, particularly residents of Akwa Ibom State, to create a conducive environment for the project’s take-off and sustained operation.
Igali said PANDEF considered the development an important opportunity for the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s wider economic transformation.
