Mr. Ralph Gbobo MD of SNG
Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG), Mr. Ralph Gbobo, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector through sustained investment in gas distribution infrastructure and the delivery of safe, reliable and competitive natural gas solutions to industrial customers.
Addressing participants at the 2026 Conference, Exhibition and 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch, held at The Ark Event Centre, Port Harcourt, from November 4 to 6, 2026,Gbobo said reliable energy supply remains fundamental to industrialisation, economic growth and national development, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s industrial potential.
Speaking on the theme “Manufacturing for National Development: Integrating Education, Skills, Investment and Tax Incentives in Nigeria,” Gbobo highlighted the strategic role of natural gas in strengthening the country’s manufacturing base, improving industrial productivity and supporting sustainable economic development.
He noted that manufacturing remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation, with significant potential to generate employment, deepen local capabilities, stimulate innovation and create wealth.
However, he stressed that unlocking the sector’s full potential requires a combination of relevant technical skills, sustained investment, an enabling business environment and, particularly, reliable and affordable energy.
According to him, energy security is indispensable to industrial expansion and rests on three fundamental pillars: availability, accessibility and affordability.
“At Shell Nigeria Gas, we remain focused on providing safe and reliable gas to industrial customers. Through continued investment in gas infrastructure and the expansion of our distribution networks including in Rivers State, we are supporting businesses with cleaner and more competitive energy solutions,” he said.
Gbobo further explained that access to reliable energy must be complemented by strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure and technology, alongside policies that encourage private-sector participation and enhance the competitiveness of local industries.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, manufacturers, educational institutions, investors and regulators to develop industry-relevant workforce skills, attract long-term investments and establish a business environment that supports industrial expansion.
Highlighting Shell Nigeria Gas’ commercial presence in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, he said the company would continue to engage MAN and other industry stakeholders to promote the productive utilisation of natural gas and advance the development of a more competitive and sustainable industrial economy.
Gbobo described Rivers State as strategically positioned to benefit from the integration of education, skills development, investment, fiscal incentives and reliable energy, noting that a coordinated approach would help translate the state’s industrial potential into stronger businesses, quality employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
He also congratulated MAN’s Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch on the successful organization of the conference and its 42nd Annual General Meeting, commending the association for providing a platform for constructive engagement on critical issues affecting the manufacturing sector.
Gbobo expressed Shell Nigeria Gas’ readiness to sustain its partnership with the manufacturing community, emphasizing that collaboration between energy providers and industrial operators is essential to building a resilient manufacturing sector and advancing Nigeria’s broader economic development objectives.
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