Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lamented the low natural gas utilisation among Nigerians, urging Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited to accelerate its natural gas delivery efforts for domestic use and export.

The minister lamented Nigeria’s “paradoxical situation” as a major gas-endowed nation with alarmingly low natural gas utilisation.

According to him, operators like SEPNU should partner with the government to correct the trend.

In a statement on Wednesday, the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, disclosed that Ekpo spoke during a meeting with SEPNU’s senior management, led by the Managing Director, Mr Dotun Isiaka, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

The meeting, he said, provided an opportunity for SEPNU’s leadership to brief the minister on their progress since taking over operatorship of assets from ExxonMobil in December 2024, with a focus on the gas components of the divestment deal.

Ekpo commended SEPNU’s management for the successful takeover and expressed optimism about their potential to expedite Gas Sales Agreements negotiations and execution.

These agreements, it was stated, are crucial for catalysing the gas industry and delivering much-needed natural gas to the nation through priority projects.

“The minister emphasised the importance of SEPNU working harmoniously with its host communities to deliver value to all stakeholders and solidify its position as a leading independent indigenous energy company.

“Furthermore, Ekpo urged SEPNU to remain committed to its project timelines, stressing that adherence to these timelines is critical for the successful execution of their projects to deliver the desired positive results to the Nation’s economy. He noted that the company’s success would be instrumental in aligning with Nigeria’s goal of leveraging its abundant gas resources to drive economic growth and development,” the statement read.

Ekpo emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, driving economic growth through sustainable energy development, and fostering a conducive environment for investment.

He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Seplat Energy to overcome legislative and regulatory hurdles, such that would enhance the company’s ability to deliver natural gas to the Country.

Earlier, Seplat Energy’s Managing Director, Dotun Isiaka, informed Ekpo that the company has engaged potential off-takers for natural gas from their assets.

Isiaka solicited the minister’s cooperation to overcome legislative and regulatory challenges, which would facilitate their operations and enable them to meet their targets for major gas projects.