Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s gas sector recorded historic, people-focused gains in 2025 as domestic gas supply exceeded two billion cubic feet per day for the first time, driving improved electricity supply, job creation, cleaner cooking, and renewed investor confidence, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said.
Ekpo disclosed this while addressing media professionals at his hometown in Ika Local Government Area, where he outlined the economic and social impacts of gas sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the supply milestone has played a critical role in stabilising power generation nationwide, while restoring confidence among gas producers and suppliers.
“For the first time in our history, domestic gas supply crossed two billion cubic feet per day. This has helped stabilise electricity generation and improve energy access for homes and industries,” Ekpo said.
He attributed the improvement partly to the Federal Government’s approval of N185 billion to clear legacy gas debts, describing it as a turning point for the sector.
“The settlement of legacy gas debts restored confidence in the market and encouraged suppliers to increase delivery to power plants across the country,” he added.
On the business and employment front, Ekpo said over 50 gas utilisation projects have been unlocked nationwide, with projections of up to four million direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
“Gas is no longer just an energy source; it is now a major driver of jobs, industrialization and economic opportunity,” the minister said, citing projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano, AKK, Gas Pipeline and the Brass Fertilizer Plant as critical catalysts for manufacturing and agricultural growth.
Ekpo also highlighted progress in clean cooking, noting that expanded LPG penetration programmes across the six geopolitical zones have reduced dependence on firewood and improved public health outcomes.
“We have completed the groundwork for the One Million Homes per Year Clean Cooking Programme, which will take off in 2026,” he disclosed.
Focusing on Akwa Ibom State and the South-South, the minister pointed to the groundbreaking of a 10 MMSCF/D Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Mother Station in Esit Eket and the signing of a $3.5 billion gas infrastructure and industrialization MoU in Uyo as major investment milestones.
“These projects will attract investment, create jobs, and deepen gas-based industrialization in the region,” Ekpo said.
He further noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, GECF, has enhanced the country’s global profile and boosted investor confidence.
Assuring stakeholders of continuity, Ekpo said the Federal Government would consolidate the gains recorded in 2025, stressing that natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s energy security and inclusive economic growth.
“Our goal is clear: to use gas as a catalyst for sustainable development, jobs, and prosperity for Nigerians,” he said.
