The planned $3.3 billion Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex is a flagship “Gas-to-Petrochemicals” project located on Brass Island in Bayelsa State. The project is designed to monetize Nigeria’s 209 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. Formally advanced through a landmark agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in late 2024, the complex aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of methanol daily, significantly reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported chemicals and creating an estimated 15,000 jobs during construction.
This project is strategically linked to the $1.3 billion Nigeria’s alumina refinery through the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” and “Solid Minerals Value Addition” policies. Both facilities rely on gas-fired cogeneration plants to solve Nigeria’s industrial energy deficit; while the Brass complex uses gas as a direct feedstock for methanol, the alumina refinery utilizes it to power the energy-intensive Bayer process. Together, these two mega-projects represent a $4.6 billion integrated industrial push to transform Nigeria from a raw material exporter into a regional processing powerhouse, with the Brass park providing the chemical building blocks and the alumina refinery providing the metallic base for a future domestic manufacturing sector.
November 30, 2025
The Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex in Nigeria is a $3.3 billion flagship project aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy and leveraging its vast natural gas reserves. The complex is located on Brass Island in Bayelsa State. Additionally, it is sponsored by the Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL) alongside partners including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB)
Once completed, the complex will be one of the world’s largest centers for petrochemical and hydrocarbon processing. The project recently reached significant milestones, including a major gas sales-and-purchase agreement with an NNPC-led joint venture (Shell, TotalEnergies, and Agip) to supply 270 million standard cubic feet of gas daily.
Furthermore, a key agreement for the project’s development was signed with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). It’s expected to generate over $1.5 billion annually from exports of fertilizers and petrochemicals, contribute about $600 million yearly to Nigeria’s GDP and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. This project is a much-needed boost for the economy and a move away from crude oil dependency.
Nigeria is improving and developing industrial infrastructure, cementing it’s position as a major industrial hub in West Africa and the entire continent. The country boasts mega industrial infrastructure such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Also, amid the push to increase its industrial infrastructure, the country seeks to develop the $400 million Ogun Stellar Steel Plant.
Other than Nigeria’s $3.3 Billion Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex, industrial parks are taking shape across Africa such as South Sudan’s industrial park. South Sudan is in talks with Saudi Arabia on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for new industrial park and economic zone. The remarks were noted by South Sudan’s Trade and Industry Minister, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk. The delegation was joined by South Sudan’s ambassador to Riyadh. Furthermore, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources was also present. The delegation was held after attending a conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Reported on September 13, 2024
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have executed Project Agreements for the Nigeria’s $3.3 Billion Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex with associated facilities in Nigeria.
It also signed a Shipping Vessels Acquisition and Joint Venture Agreement for 16 new 50,000MT methanol powered shipping vessels with COSCO Shipping Lines Co Ltd.
The framework agreement with COSCO, the statement from the ministry said, will see the construction of 16 vessels, valued at about $900 million, dedicated for the evacuation and transportation of methanol and other products from the Brass methanol plant to various global destinations.
The Nigeria’s $3.3 Billion Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex project, once completed, is set to boost Nigeria’s industrial output, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate local economic growth.
t also signed a Shipping Vessels Acquisition and Joint Venture Agreement for 16 new 50,000MT methanol powered shipping vessels with COSCO Shipping Lines Co Ltd.
The framework agreement with COSCO, the statement from the ministry said, will see the construction of 16 vessels, valued at about $900 million, dedicated for the evacuation and transportation of methanol and other products from the Brass methanol plant to various global destinations.
It is important noted that COSCO is one of the largest shipping companies in the world.
In a statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance on Friday, infrastructure development was highlighted as a key focus during discussions between officials from both countries.
The statement confirmed that the two nations are committed to joint infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and energy systems, as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization and foster long-term economic growth.
Significance of Nigeria’s $3.3 Billion Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex Project
“These infrastructure projects are expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for both domestic and export-driven industrial production,” the statement said.
The Ministry also pointed out that this agreement aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu, as the country seeks to harness international partnerships to enhance domestic capabilities. On the other side, China aims to advance its Belt and Road Initiative through strategic infrastructure investments in key countries like Nigeria.
In addition to infrastructure, the agreement outlines a framework for enhanced financial and security cooperation between Nigeria and China. Both nations agreed to increase intelligence sharing, with a specific focus on combating money laundering and financial crimes.
This aspect of the deal is designed to create a secure and transparent environment for future investments and economic partnerships.
“The emphasis on financial transparency is crucial as it lays the groundwork for sustained economic partnerships between the two countries.
“The enhanced security cooperation will not only help safeguard investments but also contribute to strengthening the overall economic stability of Nigeria, which is critical for attracting foreign direct investment,” he said.
China Seeks to Deepen Ties with African Nations
The development of the Nigerian Brass Industrial Park and Methanol Complex aligns with China’s broader strategy of deepening economic ties with African nations while also expanding its access to Africa’s growing markets and natural resources.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and chair of the China-Nigeria Economic Cooperation and Trade Conference, Wale Edun stressed the significance of President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, noting that they aim to create a more favorable environment for sustainable growth and attract both domestic and international investments.
He stated, “International partnerships, such as those with China, are key to delivering tangible economic benefits to the Nigerian people.”
Edun also emphasised that infrastructure development, combined with financial transparency and security, would help unlock Nigeria’s economic potential under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Project Team
Project Sponsors and Equity Partners
- DSV Engineering Limited (DSV): The lead private sector promoter and majority stakeholder.
- Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC): The national oil company providing both equity and strategic oversight.
- Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB): A key government partner focused on local content and industrialization (holds approximately 18% equity).
Strategic Partners & Construction (EPC)
- China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC): Signed a critical project agreement in September 2024 to develop the Industrial Park, Methanol Complex, and Gas Gathering Pipelines.
- Air Liquide Engineering & Construction: The technology licensor for the methanol plant, utilizing their proprietary Lurgi MegaMethanol™ technology.
- Bohai Chemical Industries Group (BCIG): A leading Chinese petrochemical group committed to investing and providing technical infrastructure.
- China Africa Development Fund (CADFund): A premier Chinese equity fund providing financial backing for the project’s industrialization goals.
Gas Feedstock Suppliers (The SPDC JV)
- Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)
- TotalEnergies
- Eni (Agip)
- NNPC Limited
Logistics & Distribution
- COSCO Shipping Lines Co. Ltd: Signed a Joint Venture agreement to acquire 16 new methanol-powered vessels (valued at $900 million) to transport the plant’s output to global markets.
- Helm AG: A global chemical marketing firm confirmed as an off-taker for the produced methanol.
Advisory & Project Management
- Engineers India Ltd. (EIL): Engaged for project management consultancy (PMC).
- ADVISORY Legal Consultants: Acted as project counsel to negotiate and finalize equity and gas supply documentation
Also read: Africa’s largest gas-to-methanol plant construction in Nigeria
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