PANDEF Rallies Niger Delta Behind Tinubu’s Landmark Gas Project

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15-year gas supply framework for UTM Offshore Limited, pledging to mobilise communities across the Niger Delta to ensure the successful delivery of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.

PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, conveyed the forum’s position in a letter of appreciation to President Tinubu, describing the approval as a major milestone that could transform the economic landscape of the Niger Delta through increased indigenous participation in the nation’s gas industry.

The multi-billion-dollar FLNG project, to be located offshore Akwa Ibom State, is being developed by UTM Offshore Limited, an indigenous energy company founded by Dr. Julius Rone.

According to PANDEF, the project represents more than just another energy investment. Rather, it signals a strategic shift for the Niger Delta from being largely a source of crude oil and gas extraction to becoming a hub for gas processing, value addition, and indigenous ownership of critical energy infrastructure.

Igali said the 15-year gas supply framework provides the certainty required to attract investors and accelerate indigenous participation in Nigeria’s expanding gas sector.

He noted that the construction and operational phases of the project are expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate local businesses, and generate fresh economic opportunities across the oil-producing region.

PANDEF also expressed optimism that the project would inspire a new generation of Niger Delta entrepreneurs to invest in developing the region’s abundant natural resources.

The forum singled out Dr. Rone for commendation, describing his emergence as the promoter of such a strategic national project as a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs from the region.

It further observed that increased commercial utilisation of Nigeria’s vast gas reserves would help reduce decades of environmentally damaging gas flaring that has affected host communities across the Niger Delta.

As part of its commitment, PANDEF assured the President that it would galvanise support among host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, to provide a peaceful and enabling environment for the project’s implementation and long-term operations.

The forum also urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for UTM Offshore to ensure the timely execution of the project, describing the FLNG initiative as a landmark opportunity to position the Niger Delta as a centre for indigenous investment, industrial development and sustainable economic growth.