Lagos-based energy trader Mustapha Fasinro, founder of Linetrale LLC, has taken a major step into the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) business after securing cargoes in a competitive tender organized by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
The win places Linetrale alongside heavyweight players such as Gunvor Group and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), signaling a rare breakthrough for a Nigerian-owned firm in a sector long dominated by international giants.
Established nearly two decades ago, Linetrale has primarily traded liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids, and crude products. The company had previously handled only two LNG shipments—in 2020 and 2023—making this new tender award its boldest move yet in the LNG space.
Industry experts say the achievement is significant given the steep barriers to entry. LNG trading requires specialized shipping vessels, advanced infrastructure, and deep financial resources to transport gas that must be cooled to ultra-low temperatures for export.
Nigeria, home to one of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, has been pushing to expand its export footprint through its “Decade of Gas” initiative. The NNPC’s decision to allocate cargoes not only to global majors but also to a homegrown company underscores the government’s intention to give Nigerian firms a bigger role in the international market.
Analysts note that global demand for LNG is climbing steadily, with Europe and Asia both seeking new supply options. This demand surge is creating space for newer entrants like Linetrale, even as competition tightens with new projects expected to launch in the coming year.
Fasinro has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his company’s steady rise, but this latest success could elevate Linetrale’s standing with international partners. The firm will now face the challenge of proving it can manage the complex logistics of long-haul LNG deliveries—a test that could determine how firmly it establishes itself among global traders.
For Nigeria, the development highlights the possibility of more indigenous participation in a sector critical to the country’s economic future. For Fasinro, it marks his most visible move yet from local trader to international energy player.
