•Says Nigeria’s development hinges on gas utilisation
By Ediri Ejoh
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding gas utilisation, saying it is targeting five million households to transition from firewood, kerosene and other biomass fuels to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and improve public health.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria’s economic development depends largely on harnessing its vast gas resources.
According to him, “Nigeria sees gas as its transition fuel. We are not opposed to the global energy transition, but every country must transition based on its available resources. For Nigeria, that resource is natural gas.”
He added, “Gas is essential because its utilisation cuts across power generation, industrialisation, fertiliser production, household energy and transportation. Gas is the solution for Nigeria. That is why Mr. President created the office of the Minister of State for Gas and provided incentives under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to deepen gas utilisation.”
Ekpo said, “In the past, gas was undervalued, but today it has become central to addressing climate change. We are intentionally deploying technologies that reduce carbon emissions through greater gas utilisation.”
He further stated, “Under the Decade of Gas Initiative, we have identified key projects that will bring gas closer to Nigerians. We are targeting about five million homes to switch from firewood, kerosene and biomass to LPG. This will improve household health while reducing carbon emissions. We are driving this because Nigeria has enormous gas reserves.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said ongoing fiscal and sector reforms have strengthened investor confidence.
He said, “Nigeria is strategically positioned for growth. Investors can be assured that their capital is safe and will generate returns. We are positioning the country for global competitiveness.”
