Precious Anga
Lagos — Nigeria’s challenge in the gas sector is no longer the availability of natural gas reserves but ensuring widespread access to the resource for industries, businesses and households, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said.
Speaking at the Association of Local Distributors of Gas (ALDG) Business Forum 2026 in Abuja, Ekpo called for urgent action to transform the country’s vast gas resources into accessible energy solutions capable of driving industrialisation, economic growth and job creation.
The minister noted that Nigeria holds more than 209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, ranking among the most gas-endowed nations globally. However, he stressed that the country must prioritise distribution and utilisation if it is to unlock the full economic value of the 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,” Ekpo said.
Represented by the Director of Midstream and Downstream, Mrs. Ikenma Irene, the minister delivered a keynote address titled “From Gas Abundance to Gas Access: Reassessing Nigeria’s Gas Distribution Imperatives.”
He argued that industrialised nations achieved economic progress not simply because they possessed abundant resources but because they developed systems that guaranteed reliable energy access, industrial utilisation and efficient markets.
“Nigeria must now move decisively from gas abundance to gas accessibility,” he stated, adding that the success of such a transition would depend on “policy consistency, strong institutions, strategic investments, infrastructure expansion, security collaboration and sustainable stakeholder partnerships.”
Ekpo highlighted ongoing government efforts to deepen domestic gas utilisation through the Decade of Gas initiative, noting that reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 have strengthened the legal and regulatory framework needed to attract investment, encourage private sector participation and expand gas infrastructure.
He urged industry players to focus on practical and investment-driven solutions that would expand access to gas and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
The minister further challenged stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions and prioritise implementation, stressing that gas must play a central role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“Let us move from gas abundance to gas access. Let us move from policy to implementation. Let us build a gas economy that works for all Nigerians,” Ekpo added.
