Tinubu Hails $800m Gas Investment as 53-Year-Old Ima Project Finally Moves Forward

By George Omagbemi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the $800 million Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ima Gas Project, describing it as a major milestone in efforts to unlock Nigeria’s long-standing gas resources for industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Developed by Nigerian energy company AMNI International in partnership with TotalEnergies, the Ima Gas Project is expected to produce about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day at peak production. The gas resource, located offshore in Oil Mining Leases 112 and 117, was discovered in 1973 but remained undeveloped for more than five decades.

Tinubu said the investment demonstrates what can be achieved when investors are provided with a predictable and competitive business environment.

According to him, the Federal Government is focused on converting Nigeria’s natural resources into productive investments capable of powering industries, expanding exports, creating employment and generating wider economic opportunities.

The President said the Ima project would also support the country’s gas strategy by providing feedgas for Nigeria LNG and strengthening industrial activities, including fertiliser and petrochemical production.

The project is the fourth major gas development to reach FID since Tinubu assumed office, following the Iseni, Ubeta and HI projects.

The Presidency said the development reflects efforts to attract investment into Nigeria’s gas sector and move previously undeveloped resources into production.

For Tinubu, the long-delayed project represents a shift from having gas resources underground to putting them to productive use for Nigerians.

“Natural resources have value only when they are converted into opportunities for our people,” the President said, stressing that the administration wants Nigeria’s gas resources to contribute more directly to national prosperity.