AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited has announced the Final Investment Decision for the Ima Gas Project. This project is in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited. This marks an important step in the commercialisation of one of AMNI’s major offshore gas resources and the next phase of the Company’s growth plans.
The Ima Gas Project is estimated to cost around $1.108 billion. It has confirmed gross reserves of about 1.28 trillion cubic feet of non-associated gas. At its peak, the project is set to produce about 350 million standard cubic feet of gas daily for at least eight years.
Gas from this project is expected to supply roughly 30% of the feed gas needed for Nigeria LNG’s Train 7. This will provide a crucial long-term gas supply for the country’s growing LNG needs. The first gas is planned for October 2028.
The Final Investment Decision comes after extensive technical, commercial, and contractual work on the project. This includes the Front-End Engineering Design and the signing of key project agreements. The project will now move into the engineering, procurement, and construction phase ahead of commissioning and the first gas.
Chief Tunde J Afolabi, Chairman and CEO of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company Limited, commented on this achievement. He said, "The Final Investment Decision for the Ima Gas Project is a significant milestone for AMNI and shows our ongoing commitment to the responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources."
Afolabi added, "Ima is a key part of our long-term growth strategy and strengthens AMNI’s move to become a more diverse energy company. Importantly, the project shows what can be done through continued partnership, careful investment, and a shared goal to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential."
He stressed that during the execution phase, the focus will be on safe delivery, operational excellence, and creating lasting value for partners, stakeholders, and the Nigerian economy.
At the FID ceremony in Abuja, Afolabi discussed the wider context of Nigeria’s ability to attract long-term energy investment. He pointed out that major energy projects now compete for funds in many markets. Reaching FID in Nigeria sends a strong signal about the country’s investment potential.
"Capital is careful. Capital has options. Major energy companies today have investment chances competing for financing across the globe," Afolabi explained. "When companies take an FID in Nigeria, it sends an important message. It shows that opportunities in this country can still be found, structured, financed, and developed successfully."
He added that Nigeria’s large hydrocarbon resources will only become valuable with investment, technology, and skilled workers to turn these resources into production. This requires teamwork among the government, regulators, international energy companies, local operators, financiers, contractors, host communities, and the workforce.
Afolabi mentioned that for AMNI, the Ima development also highlights the growing role and ability of Nigerian independent companies in the petroleum sector. He said, "Indigenous participation should not just mean ownership. It must mean skill. It must mean technical excellence. It must mean financial discipline. It must mean good governance."
He emphasized that Nigerian companies must build partnerships with leading international energy firms based on respect and shared strengths. Afolabi traced the current phase of the project to a meeting in Houston in May 2024 with TotalEnergies Chairman Patrick Pouyanné. During this meeting, they signed Heads of Terms for the development. The handshake that followed showed the trust and commitment behind the agreement.
He noted that TotalEnergies brings international experience, technology, and project execution skills. Meanwhile, AMNI offers its knowledge of the local environment, entrepreneurial spirit, and a long-term stake in Nigeria’s success.
With the FID now secured, Afolabi said the focus will shift to delivery. He stressed that the project must be done safely, responsibly, and efficiently, with high technical standards and care for the environment. There will be constructive engagement with host communities and meaningful involvement from Nigerian businesses and professionals.
"In the end, our success will not be judged by today’s photos or speeches. It will be measured by what happens after today," he said.
The project also opens a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between AMNI and TotalEnergies. Total, now TotalEnergies, formed a Joint Venture with AMNI in 2005, acquiring a 40% working interest in OMLs 112 and 117, while AMNI remained the operator. The Ima Gas development builds on resources found next to the original Ima oil field and continues a partnership lasting over two decades.
AMNI got the Ima licence in its early years and started appraisal and development work, achieving first oil from the field in 1996. Since its start in 1993, AMNI has developed skills in seismic acquisition and interpretation, exploration and appraisal drilling, field development, production operations, and offshore infrastructure. The company has kept production going for more than 30 years.
Today, AMNI’s Nigerian portfolio includes over 60 million barrels of oil and nearly 4 trillion cubic feet of gas. This provides a base for the Company’s next phase of oil and gas development.
The Ima Gas Project is a key part of AMNI’s broader growth plans and its Road to 250 KBOE/d strategy. Under this strategy, the Company aims for a production capacity of about 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2031. Along with ongoing work at the Okoro Field and other upcoming projects, Ima is expected to play a big role in expanding and diversifying AMNI’s production.
AMNI remains dedicated to Nigerian content, technical skill, safety, and environmental responsibility. Local involvement is a core part of the Company’s operating philosophy and the development of Nigerian capability across the energy sector.
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