Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving intra-African gas trade as a cornerstone for regional energy security and sustainable development, with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, spotlighting gas as the continent’s bridge to a cleaner, more prosperous future.
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Energy Technology Conference, AETC, in Accra, Ghana, Ekpo declared that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, gas has been officially designated Nigeria’s transition fuel, positioning the country as a frontline player in Africa’s energy transformation.
“The theme of this year’s conference, Intra-African Gas Trade and its Role in Regional Energy Markets, is not only timely but aligns squarely with Africa’s aspirations for energy security and sustainable development,” Ekpo said in his keynote address.
He underscored Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with other African nations to unlock the continent’s vast natural gas potential.
“In Nigeria, we are implementing several initiatives to deepen domestic utilisation and expand regional trade,” Ekpo added.
On the sidelines of the event, Ekpo was seen engaging with key regional figures, including Dr. Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Adviser on Political Affairs and representative of the Vice President of Ghana, as well as Hon. John Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition.
Nigeria, home to Africa’s largest gas reserves, has increasingly positioned gas diplomacy at the heart of its energy policy.
The country is also championing transnational projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and advocating for the expansion of infrastructure that facilitates cross-border gas flows.
