Segun Atanda/
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and power sectors have called for decisive reforms, infrastructure investment, and a clear national strategy to unlock the country’s vast gas reserves and drive a sustainable energy transition.
Speaking at the 4th Oriental News Conference in Lagos on Thursday, themed “Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potentials into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives,” experts warned that Nigeria’s energy transition must be locally driven, pragmatic, and anchored on gas utilisation to power industrialisation and economic growth.
“Energy transition should not be a copy-paste exercise,” said Temitope Ogedengbe, Manager, Energy Transition at NLNG, stressing that Nigeria must design a strategy reflecting its unique realities, including its economic development needs and energy security goals.
Despite holding over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, Ogedengbe lamented that much of it is still flared or reinjected due to poor commercial frameworks. He urged the country to invest more aggressively in domestic gas utilisation, reduce emissions through operational efficiencies, and attract premium markets demanding low-carbon LNG.
He revealed that NLNG plans to expand its capacity to 30 million tonnes per annum while integrating emission-reduction technologies and carbon credit initiatives to remain globally competitive.
Former Power Minister Prof. Bart Nnaji, who chaired the event, warned that Nigeria’s power sector would remain gas-dependent for at least two decades, given the dominance of thermal plants. He decried gas shortages and infrastructure deficits, saying:
“It is baffling that with over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, we still face shortages. Government must act as an enabler and support infrastructure development while encouraging private sector investment.”
Engr. Chichi Emenike, Acting MD and Gas Asset Manager at Neconde Energy Limited, raised alarm over unpaid gas supplies to electricity firms, dollarised gas operations, and policy flip-flops, which she said were discouraging investors.
“We need clarity on Nigeria’s energy transition plan. Investors want certainty and market-driven policies. Without that, funds will be redirected to other countries like Mozambique,” Emenike warned, urging the government to curb regulatory rent-seeking, embrace infrastructure sharing, and allow gas pricing to be dictated by market forces.
Collectively, the experts advocated for a realistic, Nigerian-tailored energy transition plan, grounded in pragmatic short-term goals, investor confidence, and strategic collaboration across the oil, gas, and power value chain.
They also emphasised that gas remains Nigeria’s best bet for affordable and sustainable energy in the foreseeable future, even as renewables gradually scale up.
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