Investors, regulators, others tasked on pathways to position Nigeria as gas powerhouse

Government, investors, financiers, regulators, and civil society have been urged to  chart pathways that ensure Nigeria’s upstream gas sector not only meet domestic needs but also position the country as a global gas powerhouse.

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas),Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the charge in his keynote address  during the 2025 Webinar organised to mark the minister ‘s two years in office.

The webinar, themed: “Catalysing Investment for Nigeria’s Upstream Gas Sector: Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Trends”,  provided avenue for the minister to give update on various  investments to unlock the upstream sector by the present administration.

To meets domestic needs and also position  itself as a global gas powerhouse, the minister urged that Nigeria must overcome financing constraints, accelerate infrastructure delivery, deepen private sector participation, and align with global shifts in technology and climate policy.

“Nigeria has the reserves, the people, and the political will. What we now require is sustained investment and strategic partnerships to unlock the next phase of growth,” the minister said.

The minister said that the past two years have been both challenging and rewarding, highlighting some of the key milestones achieved during the period.

He said: ” We successfully operationalized the Decade of Gas Secretariat and strengthened it as a platform for collaboration, monitoring, and delivery of Nigeria’s gas development goals. This has been critical in driving alignment among stakeholders.

“Gas infrastructure remains the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security and industrialization agenda. Over the last two years, we have intensified work on several critical projects.”

He pointed out that the he OB3 Gas Pipeline, now nearing completion with the River Niger crossing in its final stages, would soon connect East–West gas supply and ensure seamless movement from production hubs to demand centres nationwide.

At the same time,  he mentioned that Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline remained a top priority,  pointed out that its completion would be a game-changer for domestic utilization, industrial growth, and regional energy security.

 In addition, the minister said the government is supporting gas processing plants, virtual pipeline systems, and distribution networks to expand access to LPG and CNG for households and transport, ensuring gas reaches even the most remote communities.

“Beyond domestic projects, regionally, our pipeline diplomacy is bearing fruit. We are committed to the long-standing West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which continues to deliver gas from Nigeria to our West African neighbours. Furthermore, the African – Atlantic Gas Pipeline, also known as the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), spanning over 5,000 kilometres and linking over a dozen countries, is advancing steadily. This transformative project will enhance regional integration, boost gas accessibility, and ultimately connect to the European market.

“In addition, we are progressing on the Nigeria–Equatorial Guinea Gas Pipeline, a strategic collaboration that will provide access to Equatorial Guinea’s gas processing and export facilities. This project exemplifies our commitment to regional energy interconnectivity and monetisation of stranded gas assets,” the minister of state (gas) said.

He emphasised that the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) remained an important part of the long-term regional strategy and will benefit from continued alignment between Nigeria, Niger, and Algeria.

Furthermore, he said that  government has advanced gas flare commercialization programmes, encouraging investors to monetize flared gas, reduce emissions, and create new revenue streams.

The minister added:”We have expanded access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), launching the LPG Penetration Programme and initiating the distribution of gas cylinders to households across multiple zones. This initiative alone is targeting the conversion of 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas over the next decade.”

He pointed out that the ministry, working closely with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have been able to secure Presidential approval for the settlement of arrears owed to gas producers, enhancing investor confidence.

“We also oversaw the circulation of Network Code Revision 1, which provides a clear framework for open access and transparency in our pipeline systems.

“We made tangible progress on strategic projects such as the Brass Fertilizer Project, which is set to unlock new value chains in fertilizers and petrochemicals, with key agreements scheduled for conclusion this year,” he said.

The minister mentioned that Nigeria has deepened gas cooperation with regional partners, including collaboration with Equatorial Guinea, while also engaging the United States, Europe, and Asia to position Nigerian gas as a reliable source of energy security in today’s volatile global market.

By promoting gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel, he said that government has advanced the integration of gas into the nation’ s energy mix, reducing reliance on diesel and heavy fuel oil in power generation and industries, and aligning with global decarbonization efforts.

He said: “As Chairman of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund Council, and Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Governing Council, I have worked with stakeholders to improve transparency, efficiency, and local content participation in the gas sector.

“These achievements reflect our collective efforts to transform Nigeria’s gas sector into a catalyst for industrialization, cleaner energy, job creation, and national prosperity. But they are also stepping stones, because the task ahead is greater.”

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