Oscarline Onwuemenyi
01 July 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – President of the Nigerian Gas Association, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, has stated that the association has the ability to grow the country’s economy through investment opportunities in its gas sector, even as he noted that increased usage of gas in the energy sector can offer wider benefits.
In a statement obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, Osunsanya further expressed optimism for growth in key areas of the gas sector such as exploration and production, processing, supply and distribution.
He, however, highlighted that turning natural gas into a profit-making venture would require huge investments in infrastructure that address the five component areas of gas availability, affordability, deliverability, funding, legal and regulatory framework.
According to Osunsanya, there would be wider environmental benefits for Nigeria if increased gas use displaced some elements of coal-fired energy generation.
“With 1,000MW of Independent Power Plant capacity idle due to lack of gas delivery, indigenous players are making significant strategic investments in gas and virtual pipelines to power IPPs and industrial customers,” he said.
He further noted that, “The gradual movement of the market towards the concept of willing buyer, willing seller, and the government’s willingness to ensure an investment-friendly environment, bode well for Nigeria’s long-term gas development.”
Osunsanya added that Nigeria’s gas reserves could hit 16.8 trillion cubic metres compared to the current proven level of 5.2 trillion cubic metres, if deliberate measures were taken to explore for gas as opposed to coincidental discovery during oil exploration.