The Iseni gas field, part of the Okpokunou Cluster (OML 35) in Bayelsa State’s Sagbama region, has resurfaced as a major talking point in Nigeria’s gas sector.
Discovered in the 1970s by Royal Dutch Shell, the onshore field holds multiple gas-bearing intervals now primed for development.
The project is being co-developed by a joint venture of:
- Eni/Agip
- NNPC Ltd
- TotalEnergies
- Renaissance (operator)
Renaissance’s involvement follows its ~$2.3bn acquisition of Shell’s onshore assets (SPDC) in March 2025, which included Iseni.
Pipeline plan and FID
In February 2024, the consortium reached a final investment decision (FID) to build a dedicated pipeline that will transport 100 mmcf/d from the Iseni field to the Dangote fertiliser and petrochemical plant in Lekki, Lagos.
The 10-year gas supply contract will support Dangote’s 3m t/yr urea plant, the world’s largest single-train facility worth $2.5bn. This plant alone has the capacity to meet around 65% of Nigeria’s fertiliser needs.
While the consortium has not clearly stated the construction costs or timelines, Wood Mackenzie estimates the pipeline investment at ~$122m.
At 100 mmcf/d, annual supply would reach 36.5 Bcf, enough to produce nearly 1.5m t/yr of urea or generate 400MW of power
“This investment decision is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field, which is part of the Okpokonou Cluster in OML 35 located in Sagbama LGA in Bayelsa state,” SPDC’s Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor, said in 2024.
Project design and expectations
According to project design, the 50 km, 24-inch pipeline will connect Iseni to the planned NAG-3 gas processing plant at Utorogu, before tying into the Escravos-Lagos pipeline system (Elps)
“I am extremely excited with SPDC, NNPCL, TotalEnergies, NAOC who worked assiduously for the realisation of the FID on the Iseni project that is capable of producing the equivalent of 400MW of energy, which will be delivered into the domestic market when construction is completed,” said Nigeria’s Gas Minister, Ekperikpe Ekpo.
“This is a significant milestone in our quest to achieving our aspirations of the Decade of Gas initiative.”
The pipeline construction is being executed by Blue Star Ltd. It is speculated in the Industry that the company is owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, but Bavijas Consulting is still investigating.
Community tensions
Despite progress, the project has already hit roadblocks.
In July 2025, construction was disrupted when indigenes of Ayamasa II, one of the host communities, staged a protest over their exclusion from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
“This crisis is entirely avoidable. Blue Star Ltd simply needs to uphold the law and protect our community’s interests,” said Clement Eniyekenemi, Chairman of Ayamasa II.
“During the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review in Ughelli, we protested our exclusion from the project as stakeholders, despite Ayamasa II being an autonomous community directly affected.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates!