NNPC Breaks Ground on 178-Kilometre Gas Network to Power Southeast Industry Hubs

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has launched a 178-kilometre southeast gas distribution project, aimed at connecting industry hubs across five southern states with first gas expected in 2027.

NNPC Limited disclosed this during its maiden investors conference call.

The launch of the 178-kilometre Southeast Gas Distribution Project by the NNPC Limited marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative.

Aimed at transforming the Southeast into a competitive industrial heartland, the project is designed to connect major commercial hubs across five states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—with a steady supply of natural gas.

This initiative supports regional industrial growth and broadens gas market reach beyond current hubs. Preliminary groundwork is advanced, indicating strong project momentum.

The project aligns with broader goals to expand gas consumption domestically and deepen market penetration.

Spanning 178 kilometres, the distribution network will facilitate the movement of gas from the prolific gas-producing basins in the Niger Delta directly to industrial clusters.

While preliminary groundwork and right-of-way acquisitions are advanced, the NNPC expects “First Gas” by 2027.

The project targets major manufacturing zones, including the Aba industrial cluster, the Nnewi automotive hub, and the emerging Enugu industrial layouts.

By providing a cheaper and cleaner alternative to diesel and grid-based electricity, the project is expected to significantly lower the production costs for local manufacturers.

The project aligns with the broader NNPC/Heirs Energies strategy to double domestic gas output, which has already seen eastern network power plants like Transafam and Geometric Power quadruple their generation output in recent months.

The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) successfully utilized a rigless recompletion technique on a previously shut-in non-associated gas well within OML 17.

This pioneering technical intervention doubled the JV’s gas output to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day.

The successful deployment of this 178km link is projected to attract billions in new manufacturing investments into the region.

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