Gail among 12 firms shortlisted for Nigeria gas

I / Abuja April 21, 2009, 14:59 IST

Twelve foreign companies, including one from India, have been shortlisted as prospective investors in Nigeria's vast gas sector, the head of state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mohammed Barkindo, has said.     

Three Nigerian companies have also been retained, Barkindo told journalists on the sidelines of a meeting with the potential investors last evening.     

 "About 46 companies expressed their interest. We have carried out due diligence and come to a manageable level of 15 which we have invited today," he said.  

The list of potential investors, made available to AFP, includes Russia's Gazprom Oil and Gas, E.ON Ruhrgas AG of Germany, BG Group Limited and Centrica Energy, both of Britain, Gas Natural SDG SA and Union Fenosa of Spain, and Gail India Limited.   

Also listed are units of Shell and Chevron, Korea Gas Corporation Limited and PTT Plc of Thailand. 

Junior oil minister, Odein Ajumogobia, said the session aimed to promote understanding of the country's massive gas potential.   
He said the government intended to identify investors who can lead the way in "unlocking the huge gas potential that exists in Nigeria".