As global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to surge, Nigeria is positioning itself to take advantage of the growing market through the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 project. With the multi-billion-dollar project now more than 92 percent complete, the country is preparing to significantly increase its LNG production capacity, strengthen export earnings, and reinforce its place among the world’s leading gas-exporting nations. The development comes at a time when countries are seeking cleaner energy alternatives and more reliable fuel supplies.
The $5 billion Train 7 project is expected to increase NLNG’s production capacity by 35 percent, raising output from 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA. This expansion is timely as global LNG demand continues to climb, driven by energy security concerns, economic growth across Asia, rising electricity consumption from industries and data centres, and the global transition toward cleaner energy sources. Industry forecasts from Shell suggest worldwide LNG demand could increase by between 54 and 68 percent by 2040, creating significant opportunities for major producers like Nigeria.
Beyond its impact on exports, the Train 7 project is delivering substantial economic benefits within Nigeria. More than 10,000 direct jobs have already been created, while over 13,000 Nigerians were employed during peak construction. The project has also strengthened local participation by engaging Nigerian companies to supply structural steel, cables, fabrication, and engineering services. In addition, collaborations with universities and technical institutions are helping to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting future energy projects.
Approved by NLNG shareholders in 2019, the Train 7 project has remained on track despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, which aims to maximize Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for economic growth and industrial development. Industry experts believe the experience and infrastructure gained from Train 7 will pave the way for the proposed Train 8 project, further boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global LNG market.
International investors are also showing renewed confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector. The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) recently backed a feasibility study for a small-scale LNG facility to be developed by Powergas Nigeria Limited, designed to supply industries and underserved communities through a virtual pipeline network. Meanwhile, Nigeria exported 14.78 million metric tonnes of LNG in 2025, up from 13.78 million tonnes in 2024, generating an estimated N20 trillion in export value. Ranked as the world’s seventh-largest LNG exporter and accounting for 3.4 percent of global LNG trade, Nigeria continues to cement its reputation as Africa’s leading LNG exporter, with the Train 7 project expected to unlock even greater opportunities in the years ahead.
source: leadership
