Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) has announced plans to expand its natural gas distribution network as part of efforts to help industries lower operating costs, improve productivity, and adopt cleaner energy solutions.
The company made this known during a Business and Investment Forum held in Port Harcourt, where business leaders, investors, manufacturers, policymakers, and energy stakeholders gathered to discuss how natural gas can support industrial growth and economic development.
During the event, SNG also welcomed two new industrial customers in Agbara, Ogun State — Intercontinental Distillers Limited II and Rumbu Industries Limited — into its growing gas distribution network. With the addition of these companies, more than 150 businesses are now connected to SNG’s gas supply system.
According to the company, many industries already using natural gas have recorded improvements in operational efficiency and financial performance due to lower and more stable energy costs.
The forum focused on promoting sustainable economic growth in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta region by encouraging investment opportunities and stronger cooperation within the energy sector.
Several major institutions participated in the event, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Bank of Industry, the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, and the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture.
Speaking at the forum, the Head of Gas Distribution at SNG, Chukwuka Amos-Ejesi, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the company’s Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo.
He explained that manufacturers who switch to natural gas benefit from lower and more predictable energy expenses. He added that companies also enjoy reduced dependence on diesel and other liquid fuels whose prices often fluctuate.
According to him, reliable gas supply improves production uptime, helps businesses plan more effectively, and strengthens their competitiveness in the market.
SNG officials also shared details about the company’s operations within Nigeria’s gas value chain, its infrastructure projects, and expansion plans, especially in Rivers State.
They highlighted that natural gas is not only cheaper than diesel but also more environmentally friendly. The company further pointed out new investment opportunities in gas distribution, industrial supply, and power generation.
Stakeholders at the event praised SNG for organizing the forum and expressed hope that wider gas adoption would help solve persistent energy and productivity challenges affecting industries in the Niger Delta.
The Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, Idaere Gogo Ogan, represented by Board Secretary Chief Solomon Edebiri, stated that more than 500 companies in the Niger Delta had shut down in recent years.
He noted that better utilization of natural gas could help revive businesses and transform industrial operations in the region.
The event also featured the signing of Gas Sales and Purchase Agreements with Boskel Nigeria Limited and Bluefinn Global Resource Limited in Rivers and Bayelsa states, further expanding SNG’s presence in the Niger Delta.
SNG revealed that the gas supply to the newly connected factories in Ogun State is equivalent to about 4 megawatts of electricity, which will support higher production levels and reduce operating expenses.
The company said these achievements were made possible through collaboration between SNG, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, and its customers.
Founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of Shell, SNG currently supplies gas to industries across Abia, Bayelsa, Ogun, and Rivers states as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
