The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has called on African nations to move beyond being mere suppliers of raw materials and take the lead in shaping the continent’s energy future.

Speaking at the Africa Energy Week in South Africa, NLNG Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, urged African countries to position themselves as key players in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, especially as global energy priorities shift toward security, affordability, and sustainability.

“Africa is not a bystander in this conversation. With over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas — about six percent of the world’s total — the continent has the capacity and responsibility to lead,” Osobu said.

He noted that Nigeria’s NLNG has been at the forefront of the continent’s gas development, citing the ongoing Train 7 project, which will expand production capacity from 22 million to 30 million tonnes per annum.

“Our expansion reflects Nigeria’s commitment to driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access,” he added.

Osobu projected that Africa’s total LNG output could rise from 70 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to about 120 MTPA by 2035, with emerging projects across the continent expected to add more than 45 MTPA to global supply.

He, however, warned that financing, competitiveness, and sustainability remain key challenges, especially as international financiers increasingly demand low-carbon LNG investments.

“Africa’s LNG journey must balance global supply reliability with domestic industrial growth and sustainability,” Osobu said.

He emphasized that Nigeria and other African producers must demonstrate that the continent can deliver secure, competitive, and environmentally responsible LNG to global markets.