TotalEnergies, a major French energy company and the world's third-largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has announced a significant $800 million investment to develop a new gas project off the coast of Nigeria. The initiative involves building a 22-kilometer pipeline to connect the Ima gas field to the Nigeria LNG plant in Bonny, near Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta. This project is expected to begin production by 2028 and will eventually produce up to 350 million cubic feet of gas per day—equivalent to 20 to 30 million tons annually. The gas from the Ima field will increase the capacity of the Nigeria LNG plant from 22 million to 30 million tons per year, helping to meet growing energy demands and support economic development. The Ima gas field, which was discovered nearly 50 years ago, has remained largely untapped until now. TotalEnergies holds a 40% stake in the project, while the Nigerian oil company AMNI, led by Tunde Afolabi, owns the remaining share. This partnership highlights the growing collaboration between international energy firms and Nigerian companies to harness the country’s vast natural resources. The project is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to boost domestic gas production and expand its role in the global energy market. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised the final investment decision (FID) for the Ima project, calling it a demonstration of the opportunities available to investors in Nigeria’s stable and business-friendly environment. Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in January, has emphasized the government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth. This aligns with his broader agenda to revitalize Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which has faced challenges in recent years. Nigeria, the continent's largest oil producer, saw its oil production fall below one million barrels per day before Tinubu took office in 2023. However, production has since increased to 1.6 million barrels per day, with the government aiming to reach two million barrels by 2027. The Ima project is one of several initiatives aimed at boosting production and ensuring Nigeria remains a key player in the global energy landscape.