News
Vandalism Cuts NLNG’s Gas Supply by 80%, Threatens Global Exports
A new report has revealed that vandalism has severely disrupted operations at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited facility on Bonny Island, slashing natural gas supplies by 80% and limiting the company’s ability to meet both domestic and international demand.
The report, published by Bloomberg, highlights how persistent sabotage and vandalism have crippled key infrastructure, reducing the facility’s gas supply to a mere 20% of its required capacity. As a result, Nigeria’s only LNG export plant has been forced to scale down production significantly, with just two out of its six processing units currently operational.
The crisis was underscored by NLNG’s Chief Executive Officer, Philip Mshelbila, during the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja last week. Mshelbila disclosed that three of the facility’s vital gas pipelines have been shut down due to vandalism, hampering operations and disrupting gas exports.
Global Implications of Nigeria’s LNG Decline
The Bloomberg report warns that the continued decline in Nigeria’s LNG output could have far-reaching consequences on the global energy market, particularly in Asia and Europe, where supply is already tightening. In 2024, nearly half of Nigeria’s LNG exports were directed to Asia, a third to Europe, and the remainder to the Americas and the Middle East. However, fresh data compiled by Bloomberg indicates that Nigeria’s LNG exports plunged by 40% in February alone due to pipeline destruction by suspected vandals.
The crisis has also led to delays in scheduled shipments for March, with reports suggesting a minimum postponement of 10 days. Industry stakeholders, including Shell Plc., the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), TotalEnergies, and Eni, are closely monitoring the situation, given their vested interests in NLNG.
Legal and Financial Repercussions
In a related development, a London court last Wednesday ordered NLNG to pay $380 million in compensation to two commodity traders, Vitol and Glencore, over its failure to deliver contracted LNG cargoes. The ruling comes amid concerns that prolonged disruptions could further strain the company’s financial standing and dent Nigeria’s credibility in the global energy market.
Efforts to obtain comments from Shell and NLNG representatives regarding the dwindling gas supply were unsuccessful, as both companies’ spokespersons did not immediately respond to inquiries.
NLNG’s Mission Under Threat
Established to harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources, NLNG was incorporated as a limited liability company to produce Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) for both local and international markets. However, the continued wave of vandalism threatens to undermine this mission, putting Nigeria’s energy sector under increased pressure.
As global energy markets brace for potential shortages, stakeholders are calling for urgent interventions to secure Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and prevent further damage to the country’s LNG export capacity.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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