YENAGOA, Bayelsa State — 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 development of Nigeria’s first floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
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PANDEF, in a letter of appreciation dated August 6, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, OON, described the approval as a significant step towards accelerating industrialisation and economic development in the Niger Delta and the wider South-South region.
The forum said the multi-billion-dollar FLNG project, which is expected to be located offshore Akwa Ibom State, would have far-reaching economic implications for the region and the country.
“I have the honour to write most respectfully to express the appreciation of the Board and the leadership of PANDEF to you over the granting of 15 years gas supply framework to UTM Offshore Limited, an indigenous company in the Niger Delta, to enable them build our country’s first floating LNG,” Igali stated.
According to PANDEF, the approval would contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to industrialise the Niger Delta, particularly through greater utilisation of the region’s abundant natural gas resources.
The forum noted that the project would “meaningfully launch the entire South-South region and the country into the new era of gas-based development” driven by indigenous companies, including UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
PANDEF also highlighted the potential employment and economic opportunities that would arise from the construction phase of the project.
The forum described the involvement of UTM Offshore Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Julius Rone, OFR, whom it identified as being from the area, as an inspiration to other young Nigerians to participate in efforts to add value to the country’s natural resources.
“More significantly also, the spread of such a construction phase will generate jobs in the short and medium term and be a driver of other economic growth activities,” PANDEF stated.
Beyond its economic benefits, the regional body expressed optimism that the FLNG project and similar investments would improve living standards in the Niger Delta by helping to address the rising cost of domestic and industrial gas.
It further said the project could contribute to efforts to tackle gas flaring and its associated environmental consequences, which have affected communities across the oil and gas-producing region for decades.
PANDEF therefore appealed to the Federal Government to sustain the necessary cooperation and support required to ensure the project is delivered within its stated timelines.
“It is our hope that the federal government will continue to extend all necessary cooperation to the project team to enable it deliver this endeavour within the stated timelines,” the forum said.
The organisation also assured President Tinubu of its readiness to mobilise support for the project within the Niger Delta, particularly in Akwa Ibom State where the facility is expected to be located.
“PANDEF will be at fulcrum in galvanizing support of the people of the Niger Delta, in particular our people in Akwa Ibom state to ensure that the right environment exist locally for the take-off of the project and throughout its life span,” Igali said.
PANDEF’s commendation comes as the proposed FLNG project is expected to further deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global LNG market while promoting domestic utilisation of the country’s gas resources and expanding opportunities for indigenous participation in the energy sector.
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