Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has intensified calls for wider utilisation of natural gas as industries seek cleaner and more reliable energy sources to drive productivity and economic growth.
The company made the call on Friday during a business and investment forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders across the energy and manufacturing sectors gathered to discuss how gas adoption could support industrial expansion in Nigeria.
Mrs Gladys Afam Anadu, Communications Manager at Shell, said in a statement that the forum focused on opportunities in gas utilisation, reduction of production costs, improved operational efficiency and stronger investment returns for businesses.
According to her, the event also marked the onboarding of two industrial firms in Agbara, Ogun, into SNG’s growing gas distribution network.
The companies, Intercontinental Distillers Ltd. 2 and Rumbu Industries Ltd., have now joined more than 150 manufacturers already relying on Shell Nigeria Gas for cleaner energy solutions.
Participants at the forum included manufacturers, investors, development agencies, gas users, regulators and policymakers drawn from Rivers and other parts of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chukwuka Ejesi, Head of Gas Distribution at SNG, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr Ralph Gbobo.
Gbobo said natural gas remained critical to sustaining industrial operations because it offered businesses greater stability and cost predictability.
“Natural gas gives manufacturers predictable energy costs, stronger uptime, planning certainty and sharper competitiveness,” he said.
Officials of the company also highlighted ongoing expansion of gas infrastructure and investment opportunities in gas distribution, industrial supply and power generation projects, particularly within Rivers State.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the initiative, noting that broader gas adoption could help revive industrial productivity, improve energy supply and support struggling businesses.
Gbobo noted that over 500 companies within the region had shut down operations over the years, stressing that increased access to gas could help transform industrial activities and restore confidence in the manufacturing sector.
The forum further witnessed the signing of fresh gas sales agreements involving Boskel Nigeria Ltd. and Bluefinn Global Resource Ltd., a move stakeholders described as a positive signal for industrial development.
Gbobo said the partnerships involving SNG, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and industrial customers demonstrated a shared commitment to Nigeria’s economic and industrial growth.
Founded in 1998, Shell Nigeria Gas currently supplies gas to industrial customers across Abia, Bayelsa, Ogun and Rivers states.
