NLNG Train 7 sets new benchmark for Nigerian content success

By Ambrose Nnaji

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has described its Train 7 project as a major catalyst for Nigerian Content development and broader industrial growth in the country.

The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, made the statement during a panel session on Nigerian Content support, lessons, experiences, and success stories at the Nigerian Oil & Gas Midstream & Downstream Summit (NOGMDS) 2026 held in Lagos. Falade was represented by the Train 7 Project Manager, Ali Uwais.

According to Falade, the Train 7 project goes beyond expanding LNG production capacity, serving instead as “a practical model for intentional localisation of expertise” and a strong demonstration of how Nigerian Content can strengthen industrial capability while delivering projects at global standards.

He also praised the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for organising the summit and sustaining initiatives aimed at advancing growth within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Speaking during the session, Uwais highlighted key achievements recorded by the project, noting that Train 7 has surpassed 120 million man-hours and achieved about 92 per cent Nigerian Content participation. He said the milestone reflects NLNG’s deliberate efforts to deepen local capacity and expand indigenous participation across the project value chain.

He attributed the progress to extensive industry collaboration, structured Nigerian Content implementation plans, and targeted investments designed to strengthen local capabilities.

Drawing lessons from previous NLNG trains, Uwais explained that the Train 7 team adopted a strategic and data-driven approach to evaluate local capabilities and identify participation opportunities that meet international standards. According to him, this approach enabled greater local involvement and ensured Nigerian companies were integrated into project execution from the early stages.

He revealed that several fabrication processes previously handled overseas were successfully executed within Nigeria. Local companies, he said, fabricated pressure vessels, structural steel components, valves, blocks, pipes, lighting systems, cables, and painting materials used for the project.

Uwais added that NLNG intentionally identified promising local manufacturers and supported them in meeting international quality assurance standards rather than relying solely on conventional quality-control measures.

He also recalled collaborations with foreign technical partners that enabled Nigerian firms to transition from asbestos-based gaskets to safer carbon-graphite alternatives. The initiative, he noted, included equipment support and international testing certification aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.

According to Uwais, the interventions reflect NLNG’s broader philosophy of viewing Nigerian Content not merely as a regulatory requirement, but as a long-term development strategy capable of creating sustainable value beyond project delivery.

“Our focus has been on building lasting value. We have seen Nigerian companies participate actively in fabrication and manufacturing activities, while universities and research institutions are increasingly contributing through innovation, research, and technical development. These are critical foundations for sustainable industrial growth,” he said.

Train 7 remains one of Nigeria’s largest ongoing energy investments. Upon completion, the project is expected to increase NLNG’s production capacity from 22 million tonnes per annum to 30 million tonnes per annum, representing a 35 per cent rise in Nigeria’s LNG export capacity.

Discussions at the summit also underscored the need to sustain capability gains achieved through major projects by continuing investments in skills development, manufacturing capacity, and infrastructure.

Participants noted that beyond production milestones, Train 7’s long-term legacy may ultimately be defined by the industrial capacity, technical expertise, and national development it leaves behind.