Theme: “Charting New Opportunities for Investment, Growth & Industrialization.” Protocol.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege to address this distinguished gathering of policymakers, investors, and industry leaders—united by a shared conviction that gas is not only Nigeria’s opportunity, but Africa’s bridge to energy security, industrialization, and sustainable growth.
For decades, our national energy story was defined by oil—its exploration, exports, and volatility. Gas, though abundant, remained on the margins. That era is now over. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, gas has been placed at the heart of Nigeria’ growth strategy. The creation of Nigeria’s first-ever cabinet position dedicated to gas—led by Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo—signaled a decisive shift from rhetoric to action.
A New Era for Gas Investment
A defining feature of the President’s approach has been the use of bold, targeted Presidential Directives to unlock long-delayed opportunities. After more than two decades of delay, the NLNG supply projects were finally brought to life—culminating in the historic signing of 1.3 BCF/D, 20-year Gas Supply Agreements in August. This breakthrough secures long-term feedstock for LNG exports, restores investor confidence, and unlocks billions of dollars in previously stalled gas investments. It marks a new era of reliability and growth for Nigeria’s gas industry.
From Incentives to Infrastructure
Our strategy goes beyond announcements. It combines generous fiscal incentives for gas infrastructure with the catalytic power of the Midstream & Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF). By de-risking private investment and co-financing pipelines, processing plants, and distribution networks, these measures are transforming Nigeria’s gas economy at scale. The impact is clear: • Industrial Feedstock: Fertilizer plants, methanol producers, and power projects now enjoy a more reliable and affordable gas supply—boosting productivity and industrial growth. • Revenue Upside: For the Federation and NNPC, these reforms stabilize earnings, diversify revenue away from oil, and build a more resilient fiscal base. Gas is no longer a stranded resource—it is now a strategic engine of industrialization and national renewal.
Visible Progress
Nigeria’s daily gas production has risen to 7.6 BSCFD, an 8.6% increase over last year. We are firmly on track to meet the President’s 12 BSCFD target by 2030. On the domestic front, the National Clean Cooking Policy aims for 54% LPG access and 10 million cylinders by 2030. Already, Seplat Energy has delivered 12,600 metric tons of LPG for local use from the Bonny River Terminal—previously export-only—signaling a new era for Nigeria’s domestic LPG market.
The Road Ahead Three priorities will define our next phase of progress:
a. Infrastructure as the Backbone of Growth- The Tinubu administration is prioritizing strategic investments in pipelines processing facilities, and LNG terminals. The AKK pipeline, nearing completion, will unlock new corridors of industrial opportunity across northern Nigeria.
b. Balancing Domestic Needs with Global Ambition- Nigeria’s gas strategy is both domestic and global—ensuring affordable gas for power, industries, and households, while fully leveraging global export markets.
c. Human Capital and Inclusion- Infrastructure alone will not deliver transformation; we must also invest in people. Yet today, a critical gap remains—our energy sector does not reflect the full strength and diversity of our nation. Women make up less than 20% of the workforce and only a small fraction of leadership roles. Closing this gap is not just a matter of equity; it is a strategic necessity. We cannot build the energy future we envision without harnessing the full potential of our talent—men and women alike. Building the next generation of engineers, operators, and innovators must therefore go hand in hand with empowering women to lead and shape this transformation. A more inclusive sector will not only be fairer—it will be more competitive, more innovative, and more sustainable, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s energy future.
Call to Action
Distinguished guests, Nigeria’s true potential lies not in the gas beneath our soil, but in the value, we create from it. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are shifting from resource wealth to shared prosperity. When we say Nigeria is open for business, it is not a slogan—it is a promise.
We are charting new maps for investment, building the infrastructure of opportunity, and transforming gas into a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable growth. Together, we can end gas flaring, bring nonassociated gas to the centre of our story, and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading energy and industrial hub. Together, we are turning Nigeria’s gas wealth into national prosperity—fueling our industries, empowering our people, and shaping a cleaner, more resilient future for generations to come.
Thank you.