China is a big importer of energy. I can only speculate but I would guess they would want to secure any hydrocarbons they could, oil or gas, for their own markets (China). It is more of a priority than making money.
Condor, you're not forgetting that SNP, whereas by their ownership of Addax, and with the inclusion of Chrome (SEO) and Korea are the three parters responsible for monitizing the gas in the GOG for the country of Nigeria ??