Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas),  Ekperikpe Ekpo has stated  that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was at the forefront of steering Nigeria towards a prosperous and sustainable energy future.

The Minister stated this on Tuesday in his  address at the 23rd edition of the NOG  Energy Week holding in Abuja.

Ekpo noted that the ministry’s mandate involves not only formulating policies and supervising their implementation in the oil and gas industry but also creating an enabling environment that fosters growth, innovation, and investment.

He declared that meeting the growing energy demands of Nigeria and the continent was a priority for the Ministry.

“We recognize that natural gas is central to achieving this goal, given its status as a cleaner and more efficient fuel. Our gas-to-power initiatives are pivotal, aiming to provide reliable and affordable electricity that supports industrialization and improves living standards”, he stated.

Ekpo maintained that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was committed to highlighting the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s gas sector.

He noted that, “Through strategic initiatives and comprehensive policies, we aim to reveal the untapped potential across the entire value chain. Our natural gas reserves of 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf) are among the largest globally, offering immense possibilities for exploration, production, and utilization”.

Ekpo emphasized the focus on promoting gas-based industries such as fertilizers, petrochemicals, and methanol, saying that, the industries  would not only diversify the economy but also create significant employment opportunities

“By showcasing these prospects at fora like this Conference, we aim to attract global attention and encourage partnerships that can drive growth and development”, he added.

While describing investment as the lifeblood of the oil and gas sector, the Minister affirmed that the Ministry has been instrumental in implementing reforms that make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

He further asserted that “The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the recent Presidential Directive for Oil and Gas Companies on Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, among others by  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have created a conducive environment for investment.

The 23rd edition of the conference has its theme as “Showcasing opportunities, driving investment and meeting energy demand.”