Foreign Affairs Minister, NLNG Strengthen Partnership on Economic Diplomacy
Oru Leonard
Abuja, June 16, 2026 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy agenda, following a meeting with the leadership of Nigeria LNG Limited in Abuja.
The minister received a delegation from NLNG led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Tafawa Balewa House, on Monday.
The meeting focused on the strategic role of NLNG in supporting Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through investment promotion, international partnerships, trade expansion and the enhancement of the country’s global economic profile.
Speaking during the engagement, Falade congratulated Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her appointment and commended the ministry’s efforts in advancing Nigeria’s interests globally.
He noted that NLNG operates in a highly competitive international environment and has become a key ambassador of Nigeria’s economic potential.
According to him, the company has maintained international standards of excellence and remains one of Africa’s most successful energy firms, contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy through taxes, dividends, levies, employment generation and local content development.
Falade highlighted the ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which is expected to increase NLNG’s production capacity from about 22 million tonnes per annum to approximately 30 million tonnes per annum upon completion.
“The expansion will generate additional revenue for the Federal Government, create employment opportunities and further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global supplier of liquefied natural gas,” he said.
He added that NLNG supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs while promoting sustainable economic growth, industrial development and capacity building for Nigerians.
The NLNG chief executive also reiterated the company’s commitment to projecting a positive image of Nigeria internationally through professionalism, excellence and adherence to global best practices.
In her response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended NLNG for its achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and international reputation.
She described the company as a strategic national asset whose success demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian institutions and professionals to compete effectively on the global stage.
The minister said NLNG’s operations align closely with the Federal Government’s economic diplomacy objectives, particularly in the areas of energy security, investment promotion, industrial development, trade expansion and sustainable economic growth.
She also welcomed closer collaboration between the ministry and NLNG to attract strategic investments and showcase opportunities within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of Nigeria’s development priorities, economic prosperity and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
According to statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting ended with a renewed pledge to deepen partnerships that promote Nigeria’s national interests and reinforce the country’s position as a leading destination for investment and business in Africa.
