TotalEnergies and its partner AMNI International have reached $800 million Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Ima gas field, marking another major milestone in Nigeria’s gas monetization strategy. The achievement brings a project discovered five decades ago into commercial development, unlocking new supplies for the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant’s expansion while strengthening the country’s position as a global gas exporter.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – recognizes FID as an important demonstration of Nigeria’s ability to move long-stranded resources into development while expanding domestic participation in major upstream projects. With Nigerian independent AMNI International holding a 60% interest and TotalEnergies operating with 40%, Ima also highlights the growing role of indigenous companies in developing the country’s oil and gas resources.
Situated on the border of the OML 112 and OML 117 licenses near Bonny Island, the Ima gas field is expected to produce around 350 million standard cubic feet per day. The field was discovered in 1973 but remained undeveloped for more than five decades. Production is now expected to begin in 2028, with the field developed through a single platform connected to NLNG by a 22-km pipeline. The field will be a low-cost and low-emission development, featuring a simplified platform design, electric power supply from shore, zero flaring and permanent methane detection and monitoring.
The project is expected to provide a strategic boost to Nigeria’s LNG ambitions. Upon completion, the Ima gas field will provide approximately one-third of the gas required for the NLNG Train 7 project – a $10 billion expansion currently under development. Train 7 will increase NLNG capacity from 22 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 30 mtpa, with operations set to start by end-2027 or early-2028.
“The Ima FID sends a clear message: Nigeria’s gas resources can and must be turned into projects that create value at home while strengthening the country’s position in global gas markets,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
The Ima project is also a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s local content strategy. AMNI is a Nigerian-owned exploration and production company, underscoring the role domestic institutions are playing in the country’s hydrocarbon market. TotalEnergies has also stated that that all key contractors are Nigerian companies, while approximately 60% of the workforce during development is expected to be sourced from host communities. The Presidency has further stated that Nigerian financial institutions arranged 77% of project financing.
“What makes this project particularly significant is the combination of international technical expertise, Nigerian ownership, local financing and local contractors. After more than 50 years underground, Ima is moving toward production. Nigeria needs more of these projects, and it needs to continue creating the fiscal and commercial conditions that allow investors to take FID,” Ayuk added.
The milestone comes as Nigeria advances its Decade of Gas Initiative, aimed at transforming the country into a gas-powered economy by 2030. The initiative is backed by reforms implemented by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which have enabled projects of this scale to progress. TotalEnergies has specifically linked the commercial viability of Ima to incentives introduced for non-associated gas developments, while the Presidency identifies Ima as the fourth major gas project to reach FID since Tinubu took office, following Iseni, Ubeta and HI.
UTM Offshore is also advancing its FLNG project toward FID following a 15-year gas supply agreement signed with the NNPC and Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria in July 2026. The deal removes a major obstacle to FID for the $3 billion project – expected in Q4, 2026 – paving the way for the 1.8 mtpa FLNG vessel to commence operations.
With significant gas resources still awaiting commercialization, Ima provides a model for the next phase of Nigerian gas development: competitive investment conditions, strong indigenous participation and infrastructure capable of turning resources into long-term economic value.
