The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in the Gas Sector, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo has disclosed that Africa holds the keys for the energy security, economic diversification and industrialization with over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources.
In a keynote address delivered at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister revealed the continent’s immense potential, underpinned by over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves.
Speaking on a topic ‘The Role of
Policy in Driving Africa’s Gas Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities’ the Minister stated that Africa’s gas revolution is unfolding, presenting us with a transformative opportunity to redefine our continent’s energy and industrial landscape.
He said,”With over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Africa holds the key to energy security, economic diversification, and sustainable industrialization.
However, unlocking this potential requires more than just resources—it demands a robust and strategic policy framework that fosters investment, innovation, and
infrastructure development.
“Policy is the cornerstone of any successful energy transition. For Africa,
well-designed policies will enable us to harness our vast gas resources
effectively, ensuring that they contribute to economic growth, job creation, and regional energy security.
“The policy imperatives that must be prioritized include clear regulatory
frameworks, infrastructure development, local content and capacity building, sustainable environmental policies and regional integration and trade policies.”
Hon. Ekperikpe revealed that in terms of infrastructure development, the expansion of Liquefied natural
gas (LNG) terminals, pipelines, and domestic gas distribution networks is critical.
According to him Governments across the continent must adopt policies that incentivize publicprivate partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development, ensuring that gas reaches both domestic and export markets.
He maintained that Africa’s gas revolution must be inclusive. Policies must prioritize local participation, ensuring that indigenous businesses and professionals are actively involved in the gas value chain to enhance local content and capacity building.
“As we promote gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, we must
ensure that our policies align with global climate commitments. This includes implementing sustainable environmental policies like reducing gas flaring,
adopting carbon capture technologies, and incentivizing green energy
projects.
“On regional integration and trade policies, the African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to enhance intra-African trade in gas and energy products. Policies must encourage cross-border infrastructure projects and regulatory harmonization to create a unified energy market.”
“While the opportunities are vast, we must first acknowledge and address the challenges that could hinder Africa’s gas
revolution. Such challenges include financing constraints, security and stability, infrastructure deficit, domestic gas market development, amongst others,” he added.
