The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has granted 10 Gas Distribution Licenses (GDLs) to six companies to boost gas utilization and expansion across Nigeria.
Officials awarded the licenses during a ceremony on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Abuja.
Under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the GDL grants exclusive rights to companies to establish, construct, and operate gas distribution systems within designated local Gas Distribution Zones (GDZs).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the six recipients of the licenses are:
- NNPC Gas Marketing Company
- Shell Nigeria Gas Limited
- NIPCO Plc
- Central Horizon Gas Company
- Falcon Corporation Ltd.
- AXXELA
NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed stated that regulators selected the beneficiaries from over 30 applicants based on strict eligibility criteria.
“These licenses will drive ‘last-mile’ expansion, which is essential for creating an efficient and interconnected gas network nationwide,” he said.
He added that the 10 licenses issued under Phase One of the GDL regime recognize operators who have heavily invested in gas distribution infrastructure within the designated GDZs and have met all minimum requirements.
African Energy Council