Petroleum Minister Outlines Strategies for Enhancing Gas Sector in Nigeria and Africa
Advancing Africa’s Energy Future: Strategies for Gas Sector Enhancement
In a bid to enhance the gas sector in Nigeria and across Africa, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, outlined key measures aimed at shaping the future energy landscape. These measures include the adoption of gas technology and innovation, effective policy frameworks, access to financing avenues, capacity building initiatives, and promoting entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the 2024 Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) in Abuja, Ekpo emphasized the importance of a shared vision focused on progress, inclusivity, and sustainability as the foundation for guiding the journey towards a brighter energy future.
Echoing Ekpo’s sentiments, Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, highlighted the corporation’s commitment to ramping up investment in the gas sector to ensure improved supply and utilization. Kyari noted NNPC’s significant investments in floating LNG, gas pipeline projects, and plans for the construction of three mini LNG facilities, slated to begin operations soon.
Additionally, the Director General of the National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Morocco, Amina Benkhadra, underscored the vast investment opportunities in gas infrastructure across Africa, amounting to over $245 billion. Benkhadra emphasized the need for investments in gas pipelines, terminals, and processing plants to meet the continent’s energy demands.
The summit, themed “Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation,” highlighted the critical role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector. It also emphasized the necessity of strategic investments and partnerships to address challenges such as financing, technological gaps, high production costs, infrastructure constraints, and the global transition towards cleaner energy sources.
As Africa seeks to unlock its energy potential, there is a growing need to develop major infrastructure projects, deepen energy governance reforms, encourage public-private partnerships, and leverage technology and innovation to drive sustainable growth. With concerted efforts and collaboration, Africa can harness the power of gas to propel its energy transformation and contribute to overall development on the continent.
