- Seplat Energy plans to enter the power sector with modular gas-to-power systems to serve off-grid communities.
- The company has doubled production and expanded its operations, aiming to use gas to drive domestic power, industry, and economic growth.
Seplat Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, has announced that the company plans to expand into Nigeria’s power sector as part of its long-term strategic vision. In a statement issued on Thursday, May 29, Brown disclosed that Seplat intends to develop electricity solutions aimed particularly at off-grid communities across the country.
According to Brown, the energy firm is exploring modular gas-to-power systems that can be deployed in rural areas. These systems, he explained, will play a crucial role in bridging the electricity access gap. “At some point, when the time is right, we will take further steps into the electricity space,” he said. “The company’s long-term roadmap includes expanding modular solutions that bring power closer to off-grid communities.”
Moreover, Brown emphasised Seplat’s commitment to alleviating energy poverty by utilising innovative, decentralised gas-based power technologies. “We’re exploring modular gas-to-power systems that can be deployed in rural areas. These will play a key role in solving last-mile electricity access problems,” he reiterated.
In addition to outlining Seplat’s future ambitions, Brown highlighted the company’s current transformation and rising influence within Nigeria’s energy landscape. He pointed to Seplat’s recent acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited assets as a milestone that significantly strengthened its operational base and diversified its energy portfolio.
“This acquisition not only doubled Seplat’s reserves but also significantly expanded its footprint and diversified its portfolio across upstream and midstream sectors,” Brown stated. “We now manage operations that connect seamlessly into three terminals, one offshore and two onshore. This gives us a fully integrated value chain, from the wellhead to export via vessel, with Seplat in full control of operations.”
Seplat is active in 11 oil and gas blocks, operating eight directly. Following this strategic acquisition, the company increased its daily production from approximately 50,000 barrels to over 120,000 barrels. Furthermore, Brown noted that Seplat’s workforce has grown to include around 1,500 professionals, mostly Nigerians.
Turning to the company’s offshore assets, Brown described Seplat’s gas reserves as particularly promising. While not all volumes are yet classified as proven reserves, he estimated the actual resources to be nearly three times the reported figures. “This gas will be instrumental,” he explained. “It will feed into domestic power generation, industrial uses such as fertiliser and petrochemicals, and LNG, both Nigerian LNG and new floating LNG initiatives.”
Significantly, Brown framed this development as a unique opportunity for Nigeria to enter a new phase of energy autonomy. “It’s not just about exporting oil and gas anymore,” he asserted. “It’s about building domestic capacity that supports job creation, industrialisation, and long-term economic resilience.”
Furthermore, Brown underscored that Seplat’s energy strategy remains firmly aligned with Nigeria’s needs. “You must tailor your energy strategy to where you operate,” he said. Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of energy access globally. Affordable, reliable energy is essential for economic development, job creation, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Gas is the answer for Nigeria’s base load of electricity. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.”
While Seplat does harbour ambitions in renewable energy and electricity generation, Brown clarified that, for the time being, the company’s focus remains on upstream oil and gas and midstream gas processing. “For now, the biggest opportunities and the greatest needs lie in upstream oil and gas and midstream gas processing,” he concluded.