Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into its gas sector, positioning itself as a major global gas hub and future supplier to European markets through strategic infrastructure projects and investor-friendly reforms.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the pitch on the opening day of the 2026 Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada, where he highlighted Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, expanding infrastructure network and commitment to creating a stable investment environment.
Speaking during a panel session on “The Emerging New Global Oil and Gas Order: Power, Alliances & the LNG Super-cycle,” Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a leading gas province and urged global investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the country’s gas value chain.
The Minister said Nigeria possesses enormous proven gas reserves and is implementing policies designed to attract capital, protect investments and accelerate growth across the sector.
“Nigeria remains an essential gas province with enormous proven reserves and is ready to attract foreign investments and capital,” Ekpo stated.
He assured investors that the Federal Government has put in place a supportive business environment backed by regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring long-term value creation and investment security.
According to him, the country’s regulatory architecture is deliberately structured to “project opportunities, protect investments and accelerate growth” within the gas industry.
Ekpo pointed to major infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben, OB3, Pipeline as critical enablers of Nigeria’s gas expansion strategy.
He explained that the projects are designed to deepen domestic gas penetration, strengthen regional energy integration and ultimately position Nigeria as a supplier to international markets.
The Minister said the AKK and OB3 pipelines represent emerging super-infrastructure models that will enhance gas distribution to the northern parts of Nigeria, support supplies across the West African sub-region and Northern Africa, and eventually facilitate access to European markets.
“He touted the emerging super infrastructure models exemplified by the AKK and OB3 pipelines designed to enhance gas distribution and penetration to the upper reaches of the country, the West African sub-region and Northern Africa, with supplies to the European market as the ultimate aim,” the statement said.
Earlier at the conference opening session, Ekpo delivered a keynote address in which he reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the global energy community on policies that promote energy security and responsible resource development.
The Minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to partnerships that will ensure efficient development of natural gas resources while contributing to global energy supply security and economic growth.
