TotalEnergies and Nigerian energy company AMNI have taken a final investment decision to develop the offshore Ima gas field, clearing the project to move from planning into development.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Production is expected to begin in 2028, providing a new source of gas for the Nigeria LNG plant on Bonny Island.
According to an official TotalEnergies announcement, the company will operate the project with a 40% interest, while AMNI holds the remaining 60%.
The Ima field is located in shallow waters near Bonny Island and stretches across offshore oil mining leases OML 112 and OML 117.
Production expected to reach 350 million cubic feet daily
TotalEnergies expects production from Ima to reach a plateau of about 350 million cubic feet of gas per day. The company said this would be equivalent to more than 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent each day.
A separate statement from the Nigerian Presidency cited expected production of about 300 million standard cubic feet per day. This report uses the 350 million figure published by TotalEnergies because the company is the project operator, while noting the difference between the two official announcements.
The field will be developed using a single offshore platform connected to the Nigeria LNG plant through a 22-kilometre pipeline.
Once production begins, TotalEnergies expects Ima to provide about one-third of the additional gas required for the ongoing Train 7 expansion.
Supporting the Train 7 expansion
Nigeria LNG’s Train 7 project is designed to increase the Bonny Island plant’s liquefied natural gas production capacity by 35%.
According to Nigeria LNG, the expansion will raise annual LNG production capacity from 22 million tonnes to 30 million tonnes.
Securing a reliable supply of feed gas is important to the expansion. Nigeria has large natural gas reserves, but insufficient investment, ageing infrastructure and delays in bringing new fields into production have affected supply to domestic industries and export facilities.
The Ima development is expected to help address part of that supply challenge when production begins in 2028. Its eventual contribution, however, will depend on the project being completed safely and on schedule.
Nigerian companies to handle key contracts
TotalEnergies said all key contractors selected for the Ima development would be Nigerian companies.
The company also expects about 60% of the workforce employed during the development phase to come from host communities.
These commitments could create opportunities for Nigerian engineering, construction and service companies while providing employment and training for people living around the project area.
However, the final number of jobs, the duration of employment and the value of contracts awarded to Nigerian companies will become clearer as construction progresses.
Project designed to reduce operational emissions
TotalEnergies describes Ima as a low-cost and low-emissions gas development.
The planned offshore platform will receive electricity from shore and operate without gas flaring. The project will also include permanent systems for detecting and monitoring methane emissions.
These measures are intended to reduce emissions associated with production. Their effectiveness will depend on how the facilities are built, operated and independently monitored throughout the life of the project.
The Ima investment follows the Ubeta gas project, which was approved in 2024 as part of efforts to bring additional Nigerian gas resources into production.
Why the investment matters
Nigeria holds some of Africa’s largest proven gas reserves but has struggled to convert much of that potential into dependable domestic supply, industrial growth and export earnings.
The final investment decision is significant because it authorises the partners to commit funding and begin developing the field. It does not mean that production has already started or that the expected economic benefits are guaranteed.
If delivered successfully, Ima could strengthen gas supply to Nigeria LNG, support the Train 7 expansion and create opportunities for Nigerian contractors and host communities.
Trivane View
The Ima decision is positive for Nigeria’s gas sector, but its value will be measured by delivery. Completing the project on schedule and turning its commitments into production, local contracts, jobs and reliable gas supply will determine how much Nigeria ultimately gains.
