By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s economic diplomacy strategy through closer collaboration with Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), one of the country’s leading energy companies. The move is aimed at attracting foreign investment, expanding trade opportunities, and enhancing Nigeria’s global economic profile.

The initiative was highlighted during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited, Engineer Adeleye Falade, in Abuja. Discussions focused on leveraging the energy sector to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic objectives.

Speaking during the engagement, Falade described NLNG as a major ambassador of Nigeria’s economic potential, noting that the company has consistently maintained international standards while contributing significantly to the national economy through taxes, dividends, levies, employment generation, and local content development.

The NLNG chief also highlighted the company’s ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which is expected to increase production capacity from approximately 22 million tonnes per annum to about 30 million tonnes annually upon completion. According to him, the expansion will generate additional revenue for government, create more jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global liquefied natural gas market.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described NLNG as a strategic national asset whose success aligns with the Federal Government’s priorities in energy security, investment promotion, trade expansion, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth. She emphasized that stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NLNG would help attract strategic investments and showcase opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in support of Nigeria’s development agenda, improving the country’s global competitiveness, and positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for investment and business in Africa.

The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to strengthen partnerships that promote economic prosperity, attract international investors, and reinforce Nigeria’s standing in the global marketplace.