The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with key Nigerian institutions to advance the country’s economic diplomacy agenda, following a high-level engagement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this during a meeting with the management of NLNG led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The engagement focused on how NLNG can support Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through investment promotion, international partnerships, trade expansion, and improved projection of the country’s economic potential globally.
Falade congratulated the minister on her appointment and commended the ministry’s efforts in promoting Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
He described NLNG as a key ambassador of Nigeria’s economic capacity, noting that the company has continued to maintain global standards while contributing significantly to national development through taxes, dividends, levies, employment generation, and local content initiatives.
According to him, NLNG’s operations have positioned the company as one of Africa’s leading energy firms, with significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
Falade highlighted the ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which is expected to increase NLNG’s production capacity from about 22 million tonnes per annum to approximately 30 million tonnes annually upon completion.
He said the expansion would generate additional revenue for government, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global liquefied natural gas market.
“The expansion will generate additional revenue for the Federal Government, create employment opportunities and further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global supplier of liquefied natural gas,” he said.
The NLNG chief executive added that the company remains committed to supporting sustainable economic growth, industrial development, and skills development while projecting a positive image of Nigeria internationally.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended NLNG for its contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and global reputation, describing the company as a strategic national asset.
She said NLNG’s activities align with the government’s economic diplomacy priorities, particularly in energy security, investment promotion, industrialisation, trade expansion, and sustainable development.
The minister also welcomed deeper collaboration between the foreign ministry and NLNG to attract strategic investments and showcase opportunities within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, enhancing global competitiveness, and positioning the country as a preferred destination for investment.
The statement said the meeting ended with renewed commitment to partnerships that promote national development and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a leading economic hub in Africa.