Ogidigben Gas Project Seals $24.6 Billion Deal After Years of Delays

The Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State, Nigeria, has secured a massive $24.6 billion construction contract under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for 2025. This deal, which includes a $20 billion contract with China National Chemical Engineering, marks a big step forward for the park and its role in Nigeria’s industrial future. The park, located on 2,700 hectares, will host industries like fertilizer, methanol, petrochemical, and aluminum plants, all powered by Nigeria’s large natural gas reserves.

The project has faced several challenges over the years. There were tensions between local Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, and security issues slowed progress. At one point, militant groups demanded $30 million to allow work to continue, which led to investors pulling out. However, in October 2022, the Nigerian government stepped in to resolve these issues. They formed a Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group to address the local disputes and reassure investors. This helped bring the project back on track and made it possible to secure new funding.

With the $24.6 billion deal now in place, Nigeria has become a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This is a big jump from the $1.8 billion Nigeria received in 2024, making Ogidigben the largest recipient of BRI funding for 2025. Overall, global BRI investment reached $128.4 billion in 2025, with many energy projects, like Ogidigben, driving a large portion of the funding. Nigeria, with its abundant gas resources, has become an important partner for China in building global infrastructure.

Ogidigben’s location near Chevron’s operations and its access to over 18 trillion cubic feet of natural gas give the park a major advantage. Once completed, it will be connected to the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System, which will provide a steady supply of gas for the industrial plants. The project is expected to create 250,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, helping boost the local economy and provide much-needed employment.

The $24.6 billion deal shows Nigeria’s growing importance in China’s global plans and its potential to become a major industrial hub in Africa. Chinese investment in energy projects across Africa has risen sharply, with Nigeria now leading the way. Ogidigben is set to be one of the most important industrial projects in the country, helping Nigeria diversify its economy and strengthen its global position.