The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources with stakeholders.
Ekpo said gas must be seen not just as fuel, but as a legacy for future generations and a driver of economic transformation across the country.
He gave the assurance on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Lagos during a keynote at the second edition of Asharami Square, convened by Sahara Group to promote energy dialogue.
The event was with the theme, “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future”.
Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Mr. Abel Nse, Ekpo said the ministry would keep working with regulators for a stable, innovation-driven policy environment.
He identified the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission as key collaborators in this effort.
Ekpo praised Sahara Group for shaping public discourse, stating that Asharami Square helps bridge the gap between intention and action in the energy transition space.
“It is an honour to join you at this important initiative reshaping how we act on the urgent themes of sustainability, energy transition, and development,” Ekpo said.
He noted that although Africa has abundant gas reserves, the continent still battles energy poverty, poor infrastructure, and limited access to clean, affordable energy.
“This paradox must be resolved – not later, but now,” he added.
Ekpo stressed that natural gas should be seen not only as a transitional fuel, but as a transformational one capable of accelerating inclusive growth.
He said gas can power industries, energise homes, cut dependence on dirtier fuels, and enable economic diversification in key sectors.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said, the Decade of Gas is a strategic move to reduce poverty and promote clean energy alternatives nationwide.
“Harnessing gas requires more than goodwill – it needs bold investment in infrastructure and delivery mechanisms,” he added.
He said pipelines must connect supply to demand, while virtual pipelines should serve remote and underserved communities across Nigeria.
Ekpo emphasised the need for de-risked investment environments and financial frameworks that attract private-sector participation in gas projects.
He cited LPG penetration programmes for clean cooking and regional ventures such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and West African Gas Pipeline expansion.
Quoting the International Energy Agency, he said Africa holds over 7 per cent of global gas reserves but uses under 5 per cent of global gas output.
“This mismatch between potential and use must be urgently addressed,” he said.
Ekpo called on local and foreign investors to help expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure for both domestic consumption and export markets.
“Our aim is clear: let no molecule of gas be stranded,” he said.
He said the Petroleum Industry Act offers a modern regulatory framework that encourages transparency, competitiveness, and boosts investor confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector.
Speaking on the media’s role, Ekpo said journalists influence public policy and must be empowered to tell stories that inspire change and humanise energy poverty.
“In an era of misinformation, the media can either spark action or fuel indifference,” he warned.
He urged journalists to connect gas narratives to jobs, health, education, and dignity in their reporting.
Ekpo called for a collective effort in shaping Africa’s energy future, rather than being passive in the global energy transition.
“Gas gives us flexibility to meet rising demand, reduce emissions, and support renewables. Let us act now to ensure gas powers Africa’s transformation,” he said.
By Yunus Yusuf