A leading maritime expert has called on the Nigerian federal government to utilise the UTM Offshore Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Project as a cornerstone for the nation's maritime industrialisation and economic transformation.
Captain Ladi Olubowale argued that the facility should serve as more than just an energy export asset, but as a driver for broader industrial capacity building within the country's maritime sector.
The appeal comes shortly after UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas secured a critical 15-year gas supply agreement, a move that significantly advanced Nigeria's ambitions to expand its footprint as a major global LNG exporter.
The deal provided the necessary feedstock security to bring the floating production, storage, and offloading unit online, marking a tangible step forward for the project's commercial viability.
However, the broader investment climate in Nigeria's energy sector remains under scrutiny.
Recent commentary in Businessday NG highlighted the need for the country to move beyond promotional roadshows and implement tangible regulatory reforms to attract sustained capital.