The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has strengthened its footprint in the clean energy space with the acquisition of a 15% equity stake in Starzs Gas Limited’s $7 million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant in Iwhrekan, Ughelli South, Delta State. This investment, made through its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), represents a major push toward expanding domestic gas utilization, reducing carbon emissions, and accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition.
The deal marks a significant milestone for Greg Ogbeifun, a seasoned Nigerian businessman and Chairman of Starzs Gas Limited, whose company is making a bold move into the gas infrastructure sector after decades of dominance in maritime logistics.
NNPC Expands Clean Energy Investments
The state-of-the-art CNG facility, strategically located near the NAZ 3 gas plant in Utorogu, is scheduled for commissioning in Q1 2026. The plant will initially operate at 2 million standard cubic feet per day (2mmscf/d) before expanding to 5mmscf/d within 18 months.
For NNPC, this investment aligns with its broader strategy to ensure a stable and cost-effective gas supply, supporting the federal government’s push for CNG adoption in industrial, commercial, and automotive applications. As Nigeria pivots toward cleaner fuels, NNPC is leveraging its resources and industry expertise to fast-track industrial growth, improve energy accessibility, and reduce dependence on expensive petroleum-based fuels.
A Defining Moment for Starzs Group
The investment is a transformational moment for Starzs Gas Limited, a subsidiary of Starzs Group, founded by Greg Ogbeifun in 1986. While Starzs has been a leading provider of marine logistics for both international and local oil companies, this deal signals a strategic expansion into Nigeria’s fast-growing gas sector.
At the official signing of the deal, Greg Ogbeifun described the partnership with NNPC as a “generational shift” for the company. He highlighted how the transition into gas infrastructure will position Starzs Gas as a key player in power generation, industrial gas supply, and auto fuel solutions.
His daughter, Iroghama Ogbeifun, who serves as Vice Chairman of Starzs Gas Limited, played a pivotal role in leading the company’s expansion into the gas sector. Speaking on the project’s significance, she stated:
“This plant represents our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy accessibility, and driving economic growth in Nigeria.”
A Broader Push for Sustainable Energy
The Starzs Group’s diversification into gas infrastructure aligns with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, a national strategy aimed at:
• Expanding power generation and industrialization
• Scaling up CNG adoption for transportation
• Positioning Nigeria as a major gas-powered economy
With the NNPC now holding a stake in this CNG facility, the company is further reinforcing its dominance in Nigeria’s energy transition. The deal also cements Starzs Gas Limited’s role in Nigeria’s evolving gas market, ensuring its participation in a future where CNG replaces diesel and petrol as a cleaner, cost-effective fuel alternative.
This investment is more than just an energy deal—it represents a shift in Nigeria’s economic landscape, where indigenous players like Greg Ogbeifun’s Starzs Group are driving industrial transformation.
As the country deepens its commitment to sustainable energy, the collaboration between NNPC and Starzs Gas Limited is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s gas economy.
