The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15-year gas supply framework for UTM Offshore Limited, describing the decision as a major milestone that will accelerate industrial development in the Niger Delta and strengthen Nigeria’s gas economy.
In a letter dated August 6, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF expressed appreciation to the President for granting the indigenous energy company access to long-term gas supply to facilitate the development of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
According to the regional socio-political body, the approval marks a significant step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Niger Delta through gas-based industrialisation.
“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,” the letter stated.
PANDEF noted that the multi-billion-dollar project, expected to be located offshore Akwa Ibom State, would stimulate economic growth not only in the Niger Delta but across the country.
The group said the development would place Nigeria on a stronger path towards indigenous participation in the gas sector, highlighting the roles of UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and NNPC in advancing local capacity.
“PANDEF considers your approval of this gas supply momentous as it will add significantly to the efforts which are at different levels to bring about the rapid industrialization of the Niger Delta,” the letter read.
It added, “As a matter of fact, this will meaningfully launch the entire South-South region and the country into the new era of gas-based development being undertaken completely by indigenous companies, to wit UTM Offshore, Seplat Energy and NNPC.”
The organisation also described the project as an inspiration for indigenous entrepreneurship, noting that the investment, championed by Dr. Julius Rone, OFR, would encourage more Nigerians to invest in value-added utilisation of the country’s abundant gas resources.
“As would be expected, the commencement of construction of this giant investment being undertaken by a relatively young person, Dr. Julius Rone, OFR, from the area would be a great inspiration to others to also join the efforts of government in adding value in the beneficiation of the country’s rich gas reserves,” PANDEF said.
The forum further stated that the construction phase of the floating LNG facility would create employment opportunities while stimulating economic activities in the region.
Beyond the economic benefits, PANDEF said the project has the potential to improve living standards by supporting efforts to reduce domestic and industrial gas costs and addressing the long-standing challenge of gas flaring in the Niger Delta.
“Even at the social level, we are hopeful that this project and many like it which will come in the future will help to raise the standard of living of people of the area, by stemming the tide of skyrocketing domestic and industrial gas prices. At another level, this will also help to combat the scourge of gas flaring which has for many decades contributed to pollution in the area,” the letter stated.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to sustain its support for the project to ensure it is delivered within schedule.
“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,” PANDEF said.
The group also pledged to mobilise support across the Niger Delta, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, to create an enabling environment for the successful execution of the project.
“On our part, we take the opportunity to assure Mr. President that 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.”
The letter concluded with prayers for President Tinubu’s continued wellbeing and success in office.