Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving Africa’s energy transition through gas, calling it the “engine of sustainable growth” and the bridge between traditional fuels and clean energy.
Speaking at the US-Africa Investment Summit on the sidelines of the recent Africa Energy Week Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Ekpo said Nigeria is actively championing regional and international collaboration to unlock the continent’s vast gas potential and attract new investment.
“Nigeria stands ready to partner with the world to unlock Africa’s vast gas potential,” Ekpo declared. “We see gas as the engine of Africa’s energy transition and the catalyst for industrialisation, energy security, and shared prosperity across our region.”
The Minister highlighted that ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are reshaping Nigeria’s investment climate, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence.
“Through the Presidential Executive Orders, the government is creating a transparent and predictable environment for global capital to thrive,” he explained.
“These reforms are designed to attract foreign investment, accelerate infrastructure development, and make Nigeria a preferred energy destination.”
Ekpo further underscored the role of US-Africa partnerships in financing gas infrastructure and building resilient value chains across the continent.
According to him, strategic investments in liquefied natural gas, LNG, pipeline networks, and processing plants will not only enhance regional trade but also strengthen Africa’s contribution to global energy supply.
“The importance of US-Africa collaboration cannot be overstated,” he said. “By aligning our resources and expertise, we can unlock new opportunities across the gas value chain, from exploration and processing to transportation and utilisation.”
He noted that Nigeria’s gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, position the country as a natural leader in Africa’s energy transition.
Beyond exports, Ekpo said, the government is prioritising domestic gas utilisation to power industries, expand electricity access, and drive economic diversification.
“Our goal is not only to export gas but to use it to power industries, create jobs, and provide affordable energy for millions of our people,” the Minister added.
At the summit, discussions centered on how Africa can leverage its gas resources to ensure energy access, attract sustainable financing, and compete globally in a carbon-conscious world.
Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with U.S. investors and African counterparts to establish bankable gas projects that balance profitability with sustainability.
“We are committed to reforms that guarantee return on investment while advancing our environmental and developmental goals. Gas is not just Nigeria’s opportunity, it is Africa’s pathway to a just and prosperous energy future,” he concluded.
