Federal Government Commits to Transitioning Nigeria into a Gas-Powered Economy
By Isaac Job, Uyo
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy, declaring the current period as the “Decade of Gas Utilisation.” This announcement was made by Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), during the South-South Gas Utilisation Forum 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Decade of Gas: A National Imperative
Speaking at the forum organized by the Gas Aggregator Company Nigeria, Ekpo emphasized that the shift to a gas-powered economy is not just a regional agenda but a national priority. The event, themed “Utilising Gas as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth,” brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for maximizing Nigeria’s gas potential.
“The Federal Government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared the Decade of Gas and is committed to making Nigeria a gas-powered economy,” Ekpo stated.
He urged participants to move beyond discussions and focus on implementation, stressing that the workshop should serve as a turning point for actionable solutions. “Let us move boldly from gas potential to gas prosperity, to industrial hubs and innovation centers,” he added.
South-South: Nigeria’s Gas Powerhouse
The minister highlighted the South-South region as the backbone of Nigeria’s natural gas production, supplying the resource that powers industries, homes, and generates foreign exchange. However, he lamented that the region has yet to fully benefit from its own resources.
“The South-South region remains the powerhouse of Nigeria’s natural gas production, yet it still yearns for the full benefits of the resource it produces,” Ekpo noted.
He called for a shift from mere resource extraction to value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021).
State Government’s Commitment
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Ayakenyi, acknowledged the forum’s role in deepening understanding of gas development opportunities across the region. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to leveraging the gas sector for industrialization and sustainable prosperity.
“The gas sector, if properly harnessed, can serve as a catalyst for industrialization, environmental innovations, and inclusive prosperity for our people,” Eno stated.
Private Sector Collaboration
Chijioke Uzoho, Managing Director and CEO of Gas Aggregator Company Nigeria, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking the region’s gas potential. He described the South-South as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“Real progress will come from effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as between the federal government and sub-national entities,” Uzoho said.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to commercialize gas resources in the region.
Looking Ahead
The forum concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to translate discussions into tangible projects that will benefit host communities and drive national economic growth. With Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, the government’s push for a gas-powered economy could position the country as a leader in sustainable energy transition.
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