Abstract
The underutilization of gases, which has contributed to global warming, led to the modelling of an
advanced refinery process of gas to liquids (GTL) conversion. GTL with a condensation point of
100oC and above is used in the conversion of natural gas and other associated hydrocarbons that
are found in gaseous state into a longer chain hydrocarbon. This longer chain hydrocarbon
includes high energy density such as residual oil, diesel fuel or gasoline. GTL is used in the
production of liquid fuels, which are easily and readily conveyed when compared to methane. For
methane to be liquidities under pressure, it must be cooled at a critical temperature of -82.3C.
Exceptionally, GTL diesel is sulfur-free with extreme cetane number that ranges from 75 – 80, and
it is absolutely clean. As of 2010, Nigeria had a proven natural gas reserve of 185 trillion cubic
feet (Tcf), which ranked Nigeria as the largest proven reserve country globally and topping the
list in Africa. On the contrary, Nigeria has contributed to the global flaring of natural gas with
about 11% in 2010 as reported by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which
resulted to the loss of billions of dollars in revenue. This paper identifies the prospective
opportunities associated with GTL technology in Nigeria. GTL has an unlimited market, which
renders innovative/attractive options to accessing the proven gas reserves. This will further
commercialize the flared gases, thereby reducing and possibly eliminating gas flaring in Nigeria.