By Ediri Ejoh

OPERATORS have called for massive investment in the development of the country’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as it remains a better tool for harnessing Nigeria’s enormous gas reserves.

Speaking at the ongoing Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES), on the discussion hinged on gas as a key driver of Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, CON, who was represented by Engr. Cheta Okwuosa, frowns over the continents’ abundant of gas resources yet untapped.

He emphasized that with Africa already holding a significant share in the global gas market, the focus must remain on maximizing these resources to boost economic growth and create a sustainable energy future.

He explained that more is needed to be done to unlock the country’s gas deposit, adding that “there is an urgent need for emphasis on the importance of financing, favorable policies, government support, sustainable investments, and local community engagement. For indigenous companies like Oilserv to thrive in the competitive gas industry, there must be a focus on building and retaining technology, human capacity, and expertise.

“One of the key challenges is the limited availability of modern technology, which is often dominated by multinational corporations. To bridge this gap, he advocated for strategic partnerships between indigenous and foreign companies, fostering technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.”

He further emphasized that retaining skilled professionals is just as important as attracting them. Also, competitive remuneration, employee benefits, and positive workplace conditions must be prioritized to keep top talent within the industry.

“Indigenous companies must also adopt a global mindset by securing the necessary certifications, training, and international standards to ensure that their work competes effectively on the world stage. When local companies can meet global standards, they not only enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness but also contribute to the broader goal of making Africa a key player in the LNG market.

“For these efforts to succeed, strong governmental support is needed through favorable policies, an investor-friendly business environment, and well-structured financing options.”

Cheta, lauded the African Energy Bank (AEB) initiative, calling the development a step in the right direction, in reinforcing the collective goal of maximizing the Decade of Gas and ensuring that Africa becomes a dominant force in the global energy landscape.

On government support for an investor-friendly landscape, he stressed the critical role of financing in accelerating domestic gas projects, adding that “financing structures tailored to the unique needs of Africa’s gas industry would be essential in de-risking investments and creating sustainable growth pathways.”

Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, noted that the goal remains to transform Nigeria into a gas-based economy by 2030.

He identified the importance of intra-African trade in fostering sustainable wealth creation and tackling energy poverty across the continent. “This reinforces the idea that Nigeria’s Decade of Gas is also a decade of investment, making it necessary to attract sustainable funding across the entire gas value chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream—ensuring all sectors grow together without leaving any behind.

“To drive this investment, it is essential to maintain investor-friendly policies, regulations, and frameworks that encourage growth across the gas industry. A strong and strategic approach is needed to ensure Nigeria maximizes its role in Africa’s gas revolution. The key to unlocking this potential lies in enacting smart regulations and financial structures that support large-scale gas projects.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, reinstated Nigeria’s leading position in Africa’s energy transition.

He stressed that as discussions about the global energy shift continue, gas must remain central, and Nigeria stands at the forefront. “The country has the potential to redefine Africa’s energy and industrial landscape by ensuring energy security, economic diversification, and sustainable industrialization.

“However, achieving this requires more than just resources—it demands a well-designed framework that attracts investment, fosters innovation, and promotes infrastructural development.

“However, holistic policies must be put in place to harness Nigeria’s vast gas resources and translate them into economic growth, job creation, and regional energy security. These policies must prioritize local participation to strengthen domestic capacity and ensure alignment with global climate commitments while positioning gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil.

“Going further, challenges such as financing constraints, security concerns, and infrastructure deficits must also be addressed. While these obstacles exist, they do not diminish the immense opportunities within Africa’s gas sector. Nigeria is poised to play a major role in the continent’s rise as a global LNG supplier, but this will require all stakeholders to seize the moment and act decisively.”