By Emmanuel Onyedika
President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to focus on domestic gas utilization and transform gas flaring into strategic economic benefits for Nigerians.
Speaking at the State House on Wednesday while receiving members of the NLNG Board led by Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Adeleye Falade, Tinubu said while he appreciates NLNG’s drive to increase revenue and attract international interest, the company must also address domestic energy needs.
“My major concern is the domestic utilisation, where you must be able to take out the flaring and convert potential environmental liability to what could be strategically and economically beneficial to the consumers in the country,” the President said. “Yes, you are doing great to really want the revenue up… but help us back home.”
He stressed that gas resources must serve the economy and ordinary Nigerians, urging NLNG to consider pricing mechanisms that make energy accessible. Tinubu assured the board of government support, promising incentives to expand capacity and maximize benefits for citizens.
In his briefing, Engr. Falade disclosed that NLNG has generated over $150 billion since inception, with $47 billion paid as dividends to shareholders, including the Federal Government’s 49% stake. He noted that the company had previously operated at 60% capacity but has now increased to five trains due to improved oil output.
Falade added that all LPG production is currently focused on the domestic market and announced the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road and Bridge project, financed by NLNG, awaiting official commissioning.
The meeting underscored Tinubu’s push for energy domestication and NLNG’s role in balancing international revenue generation with local economic impact.