Ekpo Stresses the Role of Natural Gas in Navigating Nigeria’s Energy Transition
During his address at the 2024 Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) Annual Conference, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, articulated the critical role natural gas will play as Nigeria transitions towards a more sustainable energy future. The conference, themed “Gas as Energy Transition Fuel: Navigating Nigeria’s Trilemma of Finance, Energy Security, and International Politics,” provided an opportunity for key stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss the complexities of balancing Nigeria’s immediate energy needs with its long-term climate goals.
Ekpo began his speech by recognizing the crucial role the media plays in shaping public discourse and ensuring transparency within the energy sector. “As the Fourth Estate of the realm, you provide the vital link between government policy, industry developments, and the broader public,” he stated. The Minister lauded the role of energy correspondents in communicating key developments in the sector and fostering informed public engagement.
Natural gas, Ekpo emphasized, is poised to serve as a “bridge” between Nigeria’s current reliance on fossil fuels and its aspiration for a more sustainable, low-carbon energy mix. With its abundant natural gas reserves, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to not only meet domestic energy needs but also position itself as a key player in the international energy market. “Gas offers Nigeria the flexibility to power its industries, improve living standards, and meet global commitments to reduce carbon emissions,” Ekpo said.
One of the main challenges Ekpo addressed was the need for significant financial investment in the gas sector. He cited the forthcoming Gas Sales Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the Brass Methanol Project, which will inject $3 billion into Nigeria’s gas industry, as a crucial milestone. This investment, according to Ekpo, will strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global gas market and stimulate local economic growth.
Ekpo also highlighted the importance of energy security, particularly in the gas sector, which has seen significant progress in recent months. He referenced key bilateral agreements reached during the US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue, which include technical assistance from the US Department of Energy for reducing methane emissions and an additional $75-$85 million in support from USAID to improve energy infrastructure in Nigeria.
International politics, Ekpo noted, plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s energy policy. Initiatives such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, which aims to deliver gas to Europe through West African countries, are key to diversifying Nigeria’s export routes and enhancing regional energy security.
In terms of environmental leadership, Ekpo pointed to the progress Nigeria has made in reducing gas flaring and methane emissions. The NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture recently achieved zero routine gas flaring across all its Nigerian assets, a major milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Additionally, the government has launched several projects aimed at expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, including the commissioning of the AHL Gas Processing Plant, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, and the ANOH-OB3 Gas Pipeline.
Ekpo concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and the media in advancing Nigeria’s gas sector and ensuring a sustainable energy future. “Together, we must continue to work collaboratively, embracing the opportunities that lie ahead while addressing the challenges that confront us,” he said. “I am confident that through our collective efforts, Nigeria’s gas sector will continue to thrive and provide a lasting legacy for future generations.”
These efforts, Ekpo emphasized, will position Nigeria not only as a leader in the global energy transition but also as a model for how developing economies can navigate the complexities of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
