TotalEnergies has taken the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the development of the Ima offshore gas field, a project expected to supply about one-third of the additional gas required for Nigeria LNG’s ongoing Train 7 expansion.
The French energy giant, which holds a 40 per cent stake and operates the project alongside Nigerian partner AMNI with 60 per cent, said production from the field is expected to commence in 2028.
Located in shallow waters close to Bonny Island and straddling the OML 112 and OML 117 offshore licences, the Ima field will be developed with a single platform linked to the Nigeria LNG plant through a 22-kilometre pipeline.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, September 23, the multinational energy firm said that at peak production, Ima field is expected to deliver 350 million cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to more than 60,000 barrels of oil per day.
TotalEnergies said the project would provide a significant boost to the gas supply required for the expansion of Nigeria LNG’s liquefaction capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 30 Mtpa under Train 7.
The company holds a 15 per cent stake in Nigeria LNG, alongside NNPC Limited, Shell and Eni.
The development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand gas production and strengthen domestic gas infrastructure while maximising the value of its natural gas resources through increased LNG exports.
TotalEnergies described Ima as a low-cost, low-emissions development, featuring a simplified platform design, electricity supplied from shore, zero routine flaring and permanent methane detection and monitoring.
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The project is also expected to deepen local participation in the upstream oil and gas industry, with TotalEnergies saying all key contractors will be Nigerian companies.
About 60 per cent of the workforce during the development phase is expected to be sourced from host communities, according to the company.
Nicolas Terraz, President, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, said the FID marked another milestone in the company’s integrated gas strategy in Nigeria.
“We are very pleased to announce the FID for the Ima gas project, marking a new milestone in the deployment of our integrated gas strategy in Nigeria,” Terraz said.
He said the project followed the Ubeta gas development, sanctioned in 2024 and expected to commence production in 2027, adding that both projects demonstrate the company’s ability to develop new low-cost and low-emissions gas resources.
According to him, the developments were supported by incentives introduced by the Nigerian Government for non-associated gas projects.
“This new project will contribute significantly to Nigeria LNG gas supply and create lasting value for its partners and for Nigeria,” Terraz said.
The FID comes 53 years after the Ima Gas field was discovered in 1973 but remained undeveloped.
Commenting on the development, President Bola Tinubu said the $800 million investment “means opportunities for Nigerian businesses, jobs and economic activity in our host communities, and more export earnings for our country.”
With Ima scheduled to come on stream in 2028, the project is positioned to provide additional feed gas as Nigeria LNG moves to raise production capacity through Train 7, potentially strengthening the country’s position in the global LNG market.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X