
Tanya Davidson
Abuja — Nigeria has used its participation at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok to highlight natural gas as a strategic component of global energy security and economic development amid changing dynamics in the international energy landscape.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, who led the Nigerian delegation to the conference, said discussions at the event provided an opportunity to examine the changing global energy order and the role of gas in powering economies.
Ekpo participated in the ministerial panel, “The Energy Reset: Who Controls Power in the New Global Order?”, as well as a closed-door leadership roundtable titled, “Securing Energy, Powering Economies, Building the Future.”
According to the minister, the engagements focused on energy security, international cooperation and the strategic importance of natural gas in building a more secure and sustainable energy future.
He said the conversations offered an opportunity for Nigeria to share perspectives with global energy leaders on the evolving energy landscape.
“The conversations provided an important opportunity to share perspectives on energy security, cooperation and the strategic role of natural gas in powering economies and building a more secure and sustainable energy future,” Ekpo said.
Nigeria has continued to position natural gas as an important component of its energy development strategy, with the government seeking greater utilisation of the country’s gas resources for domestic and industrial purposes.
Ekpo’s participation at the ministerial-level discussions places Nigeria’s gas ambitions within a broader global debate over energy security, economic growth and the future structure of the international energy system.
The minister said the Nigerian delegation’s participation underscored the importance of international dialogue and cooperation as countries respond to changes in the global energy landscape.


