Gas-to-Methanol Projects: Nigeria’s New Frontier for Prosperity — Ekpo
…Calls for Stronger Protection of Oil and Gas Assets
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has described gas-to-methanol projects as a key driver of the nation’s future prosperity. Speaking at the Niger Delta Oil and Gas Investment and Security Summit in Calabar, Cross River State, Ekpo highlighted the enormous opportunities methanol production holds for job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable energy transition.
“One of the most exciting opportunities for Nigeria lies in gas-to-methanol projects. Methanol is a versatile industrial chemical used in plastics, paints, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and as an emerging clean fuel,” Ekpo said.
Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Engr. Abel Nsa, the Minister revealed that Nigeria is already attracting significant global interest, with the $3.6 billion Brass Methanol Plant in Bayelsa State moving toward Final Investment Decision (FID).
Nigeria: A Gas Nation
With an estimated 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves and up to 600 trillion cubic feet of potential reserves, Ekpo stressed that Nigeria is well-positioned as a global gas powerhouse.
He recalled that in 2021, the Federal Government declared 2021–2030 as Nigeria’s Decade of Gas — a national agenda to transition from oil dependence to gas utilisation. Achievements so far include the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, which has converted 48 flare sites into viable projects for LPG, power generation, and petrochemicals.
Cross River as a Hub for Methanol Projects
Ekpo also pointed to Cross River State as a strategic location for methanol investment, given its industrial base, seaport access, and skilled workforce.
“The Federal Government will continue to support projects that make Calabar and Cross River a true hub for gas industrialisation, methanol production, and regional exports,” he said.
He noted that developing methanol plants will stimulate local employment, technology transfer, and downstream industrialisation, strengthening Nigeria’s economic base.
Call for Protection of Oil and Gas Assets
Despite the opportunities, Ekpo warned that sabotage, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism remain major threats to revenue, investor confidence, and the success of gas projects.
He stressed that host community engagement is vital:
“When host communities see real benefits — jobs, schools, clinics, infrastructure, and dividends from Host Community Development Trusts — they will become protectors, not saboteurs, of oil and gas assets.”
Key Takeaways
- Nigeria’s gas reserves position it as a major global energy player.
- Gas-to-methanol projects are central to the nation’s economic diversification.
- Cross River State has the potential to become a hub for methanol production and exports.
- Sabotage and vandalism threaten progress; community engagement remains crucial.
📌 Author: Louis Ibah, Spokesman for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas)
📅 Date: September 1, 2025
