Seplat Lights Up Nigeria’s Kitchens: First Homegrown LPG Cargo Ends Decades of Dependence on Imports
Detailed Breakdown of the Story
1. The Big Milestone
• What happened?
Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with NNPC Ltd, delivered its first-ever domestic supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (commonly called cooking gas) from the Bonny River Terminal (BRT), Rivers State.
• Volume? 12,600 metric tons of butane.
• Why it matters? For decades, this same facility—previously run by ExxonMobil—exported LPG almost entirely abroad. This is the first time Nigeria is keeping part of it for its people.
2. Why It’s a Game-Changer
• Nigeria has the largest gas reserves in Africa, yet imports over 70% of its cooking gas.
• Because of this, cooking gas prices swing with global oil markets and the exchange rate.
• By producing LPG locally:
• Prices could become more stable.
• Nigeria saves scarce foreign exchange.
• Families and small businesses get affordable energy.
3. Seplat’s Bigger Gas Strategy
This move isn’t just a one-off—it’s part of a gas-first strategy:
• ANOH Gas Plant, Imo State – 300 million standard cubic feet/day (with 120 MT/day LPG output).
• Sapele Gas Plant, Delta State – 90 million standard cubic feet/day (with 163 MT/day LPG output).
• Both projects are due in Q4 2025.
Together, these facilities will flood the market with locally produced gas, reducing Nigeria’s import dependence.
4. The National Significance
• Health Impact: Over 80% of households still cook with firewood, kerosene, and charcoal → causes indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases.
• Environment: Heavy firewood use drives deforestation and climate damage.
• Energy Security: More domestic LPG strengthens Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ policy.
This makes Seplat’s LPG push not just a business move, but also a social and environmental intervention.
5. Economic Ripple Effects
• Cheaper gas → relief for households battling high energy costs.
• New jobs and businesses → opportunities in LPG storage, transport, retailing, and distribution.
• Stabilised forex → less dollar demand for imports.
• Boost for local investors → indigenous players like Seplat are proving they can deliver what IOCs (international oil companies) used to dominate.
6. Challenges Still Ahead
• Infrastructure: Nigeria needs more storage depots, pipelines, and trucks to move LPG nationwide.
• Regulation: Consistency in government policies is critical to avoid sudden disruptions.
• Awareness: Millions of Nigerians still need to trust LPG as safe, affordable, and accessible.
7. Voices & Vision
• Roger Brown, CEO of Seplat Energy:
“Reliable supply of gas is critical for Nigeria’s energy security and for reducing harmful air pollutants. At Seplat, we are proud to deliver cleaner energy that empowers communities and drives inclusive growth.”
The Takeaway
This first domestic LPG cargo is more than just fuel—it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s energy independence journey. For families, it could mean cleaner kitchens and cheaper meals. For the economy, it means reduced dollar strain and stronger energy security. For Seplat, it’s a bold validation of its gas-led future strategy.
If Seplat and others scale this up, Nigeria could finally transition from being a gas giant on paper to a gas-powered nation in reality.
Detailed Breakdown of the Story
1. The Big Milestone
• What happened?
Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with NNPC Ltd, delivered its first-ever domestic supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (commonly called cooking gas) from the Bonny River Terminal (BRT), Rivers State.
• Volume? 12,600 metric tons of butane.
• Why it matters? For decades, this same facility—previously run by ExxonMobil—exported LPG almost entirely abroad. This is the first time Nigeria is keeping part of it for its people.
2. Why It’s a Game-Changer
• Nigeria has the largest gas reserves in Africa, yet imports over 70% of its cooking gas.
• Because of this, cooking gas prices swing with global oil markets and the exchange rate.
• By producing LPG locally:
• Prices could become more stable.
• Nigeria saves scarce foreign exchange.
• Families and small businesses get affordable energy.
3. Seplat’s Bigger Gas Strategy
This move isn’t just a one-off—it’s part of a gas-first strategy:
• ANOH Gas Plant, Imo State – 300 million standard cubic feet/day (with 120 MT/day LPG output).
• Sapele Gas Plant, Delta State – 90 million standard cubic feet/day (with 163 MT/day LPG output).
• Both projects are due in Q4 2025.
Together, these facilities will flood the market with locally produced gas, reducing Nigeria’s import dependence.
4. The National Significance
• Health Impact: Over 80% of households still cook with firewood, kerosene, and charcoal → causes indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases.
• Environment: Heavy firewood use drives deforestation and climate damage.
• Energy Security: More domestic LPG strengthens Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ policy.
This makes Seplat’s LPG push not just a business move, but also a social and environmental intervention.
5. Economic Ripple Effects
• Cheaper gas → relief for households battling high energy costs.
• New jobs and businesses → opportunities in LPG storage, transport, retailing, and distribution.
• Stabilised forex → less dollar demand for imports.
• Boost for local investors → indigenous players like Seplat are proving they can deliver what IOCs (international oil companies) used to dominate.
6. Challenges Still Ahead
• Infrastructure: Nigeria needs more storage depots, pipelines, and trucks to move LPG nationwide.
• Regulation: Consistency in government policies is critical to avoid sudden disruptions.
• Awareness: Millions of Nigerians still need to trust LPG as safe, affordable, and accessible.
7. Voices & Vision
• Roger Brown, CEO of Seplat Energy:
“Reliable supply of gas is critical for Nigeria’s energy security and for reducing harmful air pollutants. At Seplat, we are proud to deliver cleaner energy that empowers communities and drives inclusive growth.”
The Takeaway
This first domestic LPG cargo is more than just fuel—it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s energy independence journey. For families, it could mean cleaner kitchens and cheaper meals. For the economy, it means reduced dollar strain and stronger energy security. For Seplat, it’s a bold validation of its gas-led future strategy.
If Seplat and others scale this up, Nigeria could finally transition from being a gas giant on paper to a gas-powered nation in reality.