At 10:28 a.m. on August 28, the Lekki Free Development Copany officially achieved a major infrastructure milestone with the successful commissioning of its pipeline natural gas supply. The occasion was marked by the joint opening of the main pipeline valve by the Managing Directors of the national gas company, the Lekki Free Zone Development Company, and NIPCO.

Nearly 100 guests attended the commissioning ceremony, including representatives of the Nigerian national gas company, LFZDC, NIPCO, enterprises operating within the Zone, and members of the local media.

The introduction of pipeline natural gas represents a significant turning point in the development of the Lekki Free Zone. For many years, the lack of a stable gas supply contributed to unreliable electricity, high power-generation costs, and difficulties in attracting large industrial enterprises with substantial energy requirements.

To address these challenges, LFZDC adopted an innovative infrastructure-development model in November 2022, partnering with the national gas company and NIPCO to jointly develop and operate the Zone’s gas pipelines and pressure-reduction facilities. Following nearly two years of construction, testing, commissioning, and stakeholder coordination, the system was successfully completed, ending the Zone’s long-standing dependence on alternative gas-supply arrangements.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of the national gas company described the Lekki corridor as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic centres of economic activity. He acknowledged the contribution of multinational and international enterprises operating within the Lekki Free Zone to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He noted that the new gas connection would further strengthen the region’s infrastructure by providing the Zone with a stable, sufficient, and cleaner source of energy, supporting faster industrial growth and more efficient business operations.

The newly commissioned infrastructure has a supply capacity of up to 2.8 million cubic metres of natural gas per day. This capacity will significantly strengthen the Zone’s energy mix and provide businesses with more flexible and reliable energy options.

The project is expected to reduce electricity-generation costs for the Zone’s power plants, lower energy expenses for resident enterprises, and attract more large-scale manufacturers and gas-dependent industries to establish operations within the Lekki Free Zone.

After years of sustained development, the Zone now provides comprehensive access to water, electricity, gas, roads, telecommunications, port facilities, and investment-ready land. This integrated infrastructure positions the Lekki Free Zone among the best-equipped free zones and industrial parks in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, LFZDC plans to maximise the opportunities created by the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port and Dangote Refinery. The company will continue exploring an integrated development model that connects the port, industrial zone, and surrounding urban area, creating stronger links between trade, manufacturing, logistics, and urban development.

LFZDC will also intensify its investment-promotion activities, strengthen supporting services, and continue improving the Zone’s business environment, with the goal of establishing the Lekki Free Zone as a leading model of China–Africa industrial cooperation.