The Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) in Delta State has become the largest recipient of construction contracts under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2025, according to a new report by China energy expert Christoph Nedopil of Griffith University.
The $24.6 billion project, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious gas-based industrial ventures, has previously faced delays, ethnic tensions, and investor uncertainties. The report attributes the dramatic increase in Nigeria’s BRI construction inflows—from $1.8 billion in 2024 to $24.6 billion in 2025—to a $20 billion contract awarded to China National Chemical Engineering (CNCEC) for GRIP.
The report highlights Nigeria as the global leader in BRI construction activity in 2025, surpassing other countries in total contract value. Globally, BRI construction contracts reached $128.4 billion last year, up 81 percent from 2024, while total BRI engagements across all sectors hit around $213.5 billion through approximately 350 deals. Energy projects remained a major driver, with fossil fuel developments dominating, though green energy initiatives also recorded growth. Nigeria’s cumulative energy-related engagement with China now totals an estimated $28 billion since 2013, ranking third globally after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Africa as a whole saw a sharp rise in Chinese infrastructure activity, with BRI construction in the continent reaching $61.2 billion, a 283 percent year-on-year increase. Analysts attribute this growth to trade incentives and favorable tariff policies, which have made African nations more attractive to Chinese investors than some Asian markets.
The Ogidigben project’s recent momentum was reaffirmed in January 2025 when a CNCEC delegation announced its $20 billion commitment to the initiative. CNCEC President Li Zhenyi emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth through restructured funding and strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.
Despite the renewed interest, GRIP has faced significant challenges. Ethnic tensions between Ijaw and Itsekiri communities disrupted site access and investor confidence. During President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, militant groups reportedly demanded $30 million before groundbreaking could proceed, causing some initial investors, including Saudi firms, to withdraw. A Steering Committee and Technical Working Group were later reconstituted by the federal government to address these bottlenecks and restore investor confidence, paving the way for China’s major involvement.
Located on 2,700 hectares approximately 60km from Warri and 1km from Chevron Nigeria’s base, the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park is designed to host gas-based industries, including fertilizer, methanol, petrochemical, and aluminium plants. The project is structured as a tax-free zone under a Public-Private Partnership framework and is expected to generate around 250,000 direct and indirect jobs. It will also connect to Nigeria’s main gas transport network, the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), ensuring reliable gas supply and distribution.
If fully implemented, GRIP is expected to become a central pillar of Nigeria’s gas monetisation strategy, driving industrialisation and economic development in the Niger Delta.
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