Imo to power South-East’s industrial future as SEDC advances 400km regional gas pipeline project
Agency Report
The South-East is home to some of Nigeria’s major commercial and manufacturing centres, including Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha. However, access to reliable energy remains an important factor in the growth of industries and businesses across the region.
A proposed 400-kilometre regional gas pipeline is expected to strengthen access to natural gas and support industrial development across the five South-Eastern states.
The initiative, being advanced through the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) in collaboration with gas industry stakeholders, is linked to the wider ANOH gas infrastructure development.
Imo State occupies a strategic position in this development, hosting two major gas-processing facilities associated with the Assa North–Ohaji South (ANOH) gas development, with a combined designed processing capacity of 600 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d).
The first is the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, developed by ANOH Gas Processing Company, a joint venture between Seplat Energy and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC). Located in Ohaji/Egbema, the facility has a processing capacity of 300 MMscf/d and commenced gas supply in January 2026.
Its facilities include two processing units of 150 MMscf/d each, LPG recovery facilities, condensate stabilisation units and a 16MW power plant. It has also commenced supplying gas to Indorama Petrochemical Plant in Rivers State through an 11-kilometre export pipeline.
The second is Renaissance Africa Energy’s separate 300 MMscf/d gas-processing development on the Assa North side of the unitised gas fields in OML 21.
Renaissance’s involvement extends beyond gas processing. In July 2026, the company signed a 16-year Gas Sale Agreement with Indorama Fertilizer FZE, a subsidiary of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, for the supply of up to 60 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily. The agreement is intended to provide gas feedstock for fertiliser production, including ammonia and urea.
Together, the two developments represent a designed gas-processing capacity of 600 MMscf/d, highlighting Imo State’s growing importance in Nigeria’s gas industry and its potential contribution to industrial development across the South-East.
The proposed regional pipeline could help connect gas infrastructure with industries and commercial centres across the South-East.
For Aba’s manufacturering industries, access to natural gas could provide another energy option for production. Nnewi’s automotive parts and machinery industries could also benefit from improved energy availability, while Onitsha’s commercial and industrial businesses could gain from stronger gas distribution infrastructure.
Enugu and Ebonyi states also have opportunities to attract new investments, support agro-processing and expand manufacturing activities.
Beyond industrial heating and manufacturing processes, natural gas can support electricity generation and petrochemical production, creating opportunities for businesses that depend on reliable energy and industrial feedstock.
The development of a regional pipeline could generate employment opportunities during construction through engineering, welding, equipment supply, transportation and other technical services.
Once operational, improved gas access could encourage new industries, support existing manufacturers and attract investors seeking more dependable energy supplies.
It could also create opportunities for engineers, technicians, construction professionals and other skilled workers across the region.
The South-East Development Commission, under its Managing Director, Mark Okoye, is advancing preparatory work on the proposed gas pipeline as part of its broader regional infrastructure development agenda.
In September 2026, representatives of Gas Sync Limited, SAYS Energy Group and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited met with Abia State Governor Alex Otti to discuss the South-East Gas Distribution Programme.
In October 2026, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also urged the SEDC to prioritise a high-pressure gas pipeline connecting major cities across the region.
The stakeholder engagements and ongoing discussions reflect the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, the SEDC, state governments and private-sector organisations in delivering the proposed infrastructure.
The proposed pipeline presents an opportunity to connect Imo State’s gas-processing infrastructure with the manufacturing and commercial centres of the wider South-East.
From Aba to Nnewi, Onitsha, Enugu and beyond, improved gas transportation and distribution could support industrial expansion, attract investment, create employment and strengthen the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
