Shell Urges Collaboration Between Iocs and Local Firms to Enhance Gas Production

Shell has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between international oil companies (IOCs) and indigenous energy firms to fast-track gas development and make the resource a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The company highlighted that consistent policies, infrastructure expansion, and partnership-driven approaches are vital to unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas potential.

Speaking at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum in Lagos, Shell Energy Nigeria’s General Manager, Markus Hector — represented by the Head of Portfolio, Regulation and Supply, Chuka Amos-Ejesi — said, “There is a clear strategic case for collaboration. IOCs bring global expertise, significant capital, and robust technical and risk management systems, while indigenous firms contribute local knowledge, agility, and flexibility within the Nigerian environment.”

He further stressed that such partnerships should enhance domestic capacity, particularly in engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, Ralph Gbobo, said the company is investing heavily in gas infrastructure nationwide to boost industrial growth and improve access.

“SNG is developing gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently Yenagoa, with plans to expand to other cities,” Gbobo noted. He described infrastructure as the foundation of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation drive, adding that ongoing projects will improve access, cut costs, and lower emissions, making gas a more competitive and sustainable energy source.

Gbobo also underscored the importance of stable policies to attract long-term investment, stating that “policy clarity and consistency are essential for investor confidence, while collaboration remains the catalyst for scale and innovation.”

He reaffirmed that gas is central to Nigeria’s energy transition and economic diversification, providing cleaner, more reliable energy, creating jobs, and fostering regional trade. “The success of Nigeria’s gas sector will depend on the synergy between government, investors, and local operators,” he added.