Nigeria Seeks Investment to Harness Gas Resources for Industrial Growth

Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on investors to tap into the country's substantial natural gas resources. Ekpo stated that unlocking these reserves is crucial for driving industrialization, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and ultimately improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.

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Nigeria’s development will not be measured by the volume of gas beneath our soil, but by the extent to which that gas powers industries, supports households, creates jobs, and fuels sustainable economic growth

Speaking at the Association of Local Distributors of Gas (ALDG) Business Forum in Abuja, Ekpo, represented by Mrs. Ikenna Irene, Director of Midstream and Downstream at the ministry, addressed the theme 'From Gas Abundance to Gas Access: Reassessing Nigeria’s Gas Distribution Imperatives.' He noted that Nigeria holds over 209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, positioning it among the world's most gas-endowed nations. However, the primary challenge, he explained, lies in ensuring broad access to and effective utilization of this strategic resource.

"Nigeria’s development will not be measured by the volume of gas beneath our soil, but by the extent to which that gas powers industries, supports households, creates jobs, and fuels sustainable economic growth," the minister declared. He commended the ALDG for creating a vital platform for collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders, particularly during Nigeria's energy transition.

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Nigeria must now move decisively from gas abundance to gas accessibility.

The federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to increasing domestic gas utilization through the "Decade of Gas" initiative and other reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 has been instrumental in strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, encouraging private sector involvement, expanding infrastructure, and promoting market efficiency within the gas sector.

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The success of this vision requires policy consistency, strong institutions, strategic investments, infrastructure expansion, security collaboration, and sustainable stakeholder partnerships.

Ekpo stressed that industrialized nations achieved their economic progress not solely through resource wealth but by building robust systems for reliable energy access, industrial use, and efficient markets. He urged stakeholders at the forum to focus on developing practical, investment-driven solutions that expand gas access and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians, emphasizing the need for policy consistency, strong institutions, strategic investments, and sustainable partnerships.

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As we deliberate today, let us remain focused on building a gas sector that delivers real value to Nigerians, one that powers industries, supports households, creates jobs, enhances energy security, and drives inclusive national development