Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, recently highlighted progress in the country’s gas sector. With gas production increasing towards a target of 12 bcf/d, Nigeria’s energy strategy is on the right track, but challenges persist despite the country’s vast gas reserves.
The “Decade of Gas” initiative aims to transform Nigeria into a gas-based economy by 2030, but hurdles like infrastructure gaps, security concerns in the Niger Delta, and the need for significant investment remain. However, key projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline and NLNG Train 7 project are underway to boost production and utilization, potentially impacting domestic use and export capacity.
The Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 seeks to improve the regulatory environment and attract investment, yet some issues like gas flaring still need attention. Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s gas ambitions could lead to economic transformation, driving industrialization, job creation, and growth. Navigating obstacles while leveraging natural resources is key to achieving these goals.