Shell Nigeria Gas and the Anambra State Government are strengthening their collaboration to provide natural gas energy for industries across the state, a move aimed at helping factories transition away from expensive diesel generators to a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy source.
The initiative is designed to address the long-standing challenge faced by manufacturers in Nigeria, where unreliable public electricity supply has forced many factories to rely heavily on diesel-powered generators to sustain production.
At the Anambra Energy Stakeholders Forum held in Awka, government officials, manufacturers and energy executives discussed how expanding access to natural gas could significantly reduce industrial energy costs and improve production stability for businesses operating in the state.
Representing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Secretary to the State Government, Solo Chukwulobelu, said the state has been deliberately developing an energy strategy that will support industrial growth by ensuring manufacturers have access to dependable power sources.
“The state has been working over the past two years to develop a strategy that will support industrialisation through improved energy infrastructure,” Chukwulobelu said.
He explained that access to affordable and stable energy is a key component of the state government’s broader economic vision to position Anambra as a major manufacturing hub in Nigeria.
According to him, the partnership with Shell Nigeria Gas will help industries gradually replace diesel-powered energy systems with natural gas solutions that are more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
The Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, said the collaboration will significantly improve energy reliability for manufacturers across the state.
He noted that many industries currently spend a large portion of their operational costs on diesel fuel used to power generators, which increases production costs and reduces competitiveness.
“Transitioning manufacturers from diesel to natural gas will improve efficiency while reducing operational costs for industries in the state,” Udechukwu said.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Chiamaka Nnake, also noted that improving energy infrastructure is part of a broader effort by the state government to attract investors and expand industrial activities.
She explained that reducing dependence on diesel generators will help create a more favourable business environment for manufacturing companies.
“Transitioning from diesel to gas would significantly reduce operational costs and improve the state’s investment climate,” Nnake said.
From the industry side, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, Ralph Gbobo, said the company is committed to supporting Nigeria’s industrial transformation by providing gas energy solutions that help manufacturers operate more efficiently.
Gbobo explained that natural gas offers a strategic advantage for industries because it is more stable in price compared to diesel and can deliver consistent energy for large-scale production.
“Natural gas offers industries a reliable and cost-efficient energy solution that helps reduce production costs and improve operational efficiency,” he said.
He added that Shell Nigeria Gas is expanding infrastructure that will enable factories to access natural gas for various industrial applications, including powering production lines, generating heat for manufacturing processes and fuelling boilers used in large-scale operations.
Brian Murivki also noted that the company’s broader strategy is to expand access to reliable gas energy across key industrial clusters in West Africa.
According to him, helping manufacturers switch from diesel generators to natural gas will significantly improve the competitiveness of industries by lowering energy costs and improving production stability.
Shell Nigeria Gas New Business Development Manager, Feyi Fabunmi, said the stakeholder forum provided an opportunity for manufacturers and policymakers to discuss practical solutions for improving industrial energy supply.
She explained that many factories across the region rely heavily on diesel generators because of inconsistent electricity supply.
“Natural gas provides a safer, cleaner and more reliable alternative energy source for manufacturers seeking long-term energy security,” Fabunmi said.
She added that the company recently presented a comprehensive gas master plan to the Anambra State Government outlining the infrastructure required to expand gas distribution across the state and support industrial growth.
