The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, confirmed the breakthrough, which promises to harness Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa, exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet.

Despite possessing such abundant resources, Nigeria has faced challenges in capitalising on this asset, hindered by financial limitations and infrastructural deficits.

Minister Ekpo announced that the Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement (GSPA), a critical component for the Brass methanol project's progression, is set to be signed the following month.

This comes after fruitful negotiations with the CEO of Shell Nigeria and key figures from other involved corporations.

The GSPA ensures a sustained gas supply from a Shell-led joint venture, fueling the methanol production facility planned for Brass Island, situated in the petroleum-rich Bayelsa state along the coast.

This development represents a major stride in Nigeria's quest to optimize its energy potential and bolster its economic growth.

--Reuters--