Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has taken a major step toward reforming its gas market with the unveiling of a Gas Trading Licence framework and a Clearing House & Settlement Authorisation platform designed to transform how natural gas is traded in the country.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the launch as a landmark reform that signals the start of a new era for Nigeria’s gas sector, positioning it on a transparent, rules-based and investment-ready footing aligned with global best practices.
“Today, I had the honour of unveiling a major reform milestone for our nation’s gas sector—the Gas Trading Licence, and the Clearing House & Settlement Authorisation, a digital platform that will transform the way natural gas is traded in Nigeria,” Ekpo said.
According to him, the digital platform introduces clarity in pricing, strengthens payment security and boosts investor confidence across Nigeria’s gas value chain.
“For the first time, our gas market will operate on a fully transparent, rules-driven and investment-ready framework,” the minister said.
“With this system, pricing becomes clearer, payments become more secure, and confidence in Nigeria’s gas value chain grows stronger.”
Ekpo noted that the platform is designed to support a competitive and investor-friendly gas industry, urging producers, traders, off-takers and financial institutions to actively utilise it to expand industrial activity and deepen investment in the midstream and downstream segments.
“This platform is a commitment to a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly gas industry,” he said. “I encourage stakeholders to use this system to expand industrial activities, secure gas supply, and boost investment across the value chain.”
He commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, for driving the initiative, as well as JEX Market Limited for developing what he described as a world-class digital trading platform.
“Their work reflects the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, a vision that places natural gas at the centre of our nation’s industrialization, energy security, and economic diversification,” Ekpo added.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s gas-led growth strategy, the minister said the launch sends a strong signal to local and international investors that the country is ready to fully harness its vast gas resources.
“Nigeria is ready for a future where gas drives growth, and today’s launch brings us one step closer,” he said.
