Nigeria’s gas sector has attracted more than $5 billion in new investments as of 2024, signaling renewed international confidence in the country’s energy transition strategy, according to the President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos ahead of the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC 2025) set to take place from May 19 to 23 in Beijing, China, Nwokedi said the investments span key segments of the gas value chain—including infrastructure development, floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities, gas processing plants, and domestic utilization projects.

“These investments are a clear signal that Nigeria is making tangible progress in becoming a key player in the global gas market,” he said.

Nwokedi attributed the influx of capital to recent policy reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including new Executive Orders aimed at streamlining oil and gas operations, significant progress on the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the rollout of the Decentralised Gas Distribution Framework.

He also acknowledged the critical roles played by regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in facilitating project commercialization and improving the domestic gas pricing framework.

Nwokedi commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), under the leadership of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, for spearheading transformative initiatives in the gas sector. He reiterated the NGA’s commitment to methane reduction and enhanced safety measures for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) operations.

“With 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves and the potential to reach 600 TCF, Nigeria is positioning gas as the cornerstone of its energy transition strategy,” Nwokedi noted. “We must ensure the transition works for us. Gas is our best option to combat energy poverty while reducing emissions.”

Highlighting the importance of Nigeria’s participation in WGC 2025, Nwokedi said the Nigeria Pavilion will serve as a strategic platform to showcase the nation’s progress, attract investment, and promote its ambitious “Decade of Gas” initiative.

“This platform is not just symbolic; it’s strategic,” he added. “It signifies Nigeria’s readiness to take its rightful place in the global gas ecosystem—not only as a resource-rich nation but also as a prime investment destination.”

The NGA president emphasized that the Pavilion will spotlight Nigerian content champions, provide high-level networking opportunities, and drive critical global conversations around energy transition and sustainability. He stressed the importance of international collaboration in financing, technology deployment, and long-term off-take agreements for Nigerian gas.

“The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging natural gas as a catalyst for sustainable, low-carbon development,” Nwokedi concluded.