… to spotlight gas sector progress, “Decade of Gas” agenda

Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has announced plans to host the Nigeria Pavilion at the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) in Beijing, China, from May 19 to 23, 2025, reaffirming the country’s commitment to positioning itself as both a resource-rich nation and a prime destination for global gas investment.

NGA President, Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi confirmed the country’s strategic participation in the International Gas Union, IGU’s forthcoming triennial event during a media engagement held in Lagos.

Nwokedi revealed that the Nigeria Pavilion at WGC2025 will spotlight the country’s progress in the gas sector, showcase investment-ready opportunities, and promote Nigeria’s strategic interests under the ongoing “Decade of Gas” initiative.

“This platform is not just symbolic—it is strategic. It signals Nigeria’s readiness to take its rightful place in the global gas ecosystem, not just as a resource-rich nation, but as a serious investment destination,” Nwokedi said.

He further explained that the Nigeria Pavilion will host government leaders, industry stakeholders, and international partners, showcasing major projects across the gas value chain.

He added that the event will feature Nigerian Content Champions, enable high-level networking, and foster global dialogue on energy transition and sustainability.

“The Pavilion aims to attract global investment into Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, processing, and distribution projects while supporting international partnerships in financing, technology deployment, and off-take agreements.

“It will also reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging gas for sustainable, low-carbon development.

“This is not just about gas—it is about jobs, industry, cleaner energy, and national transformation.

“Nigeria is ready, NGA is ready, WGC2025 is our global stage. Let’s take it—together,” Nwokedi emphasized.

Highlighting progress in the sector, the NGA President cited over $5 billion in new gas investments within the past year, spanning infrastructure, floating LNG, gas processing, and domestic utilization.

He also noted key reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including new Executive Orders on Oil & Gas, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline project, and a Decentralized Gas Distribution Framework aimed at boosting energy access and inclusion.

The NGA praised the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for championing gas commercialization and introducing a revised domestic gas pricing framework.

The association also reiterated its commitment to methane reduction and improved safety in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) operations.

It commended NNPC Limited and its leadership under Engr. Bayo Ojulari for driving transformative gas initiatives.

“With 209 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 TCF, Nigeria is positioning gas as the cornerstone of its energy transition strategy.

“We must insist the transition works for us. Gas remains our best bet to tackle energy poverty while lowering emissions,” Nwokedi noted.

Engr. Chichi Emenike, Chairman of Study Group 6 on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), also speaking during the event, emphasized the need for media and industry stakeholders to be deliberate in promoting Nigeria’s gas sector to attract the right investors.

According to NGA’s incoming Second Vice President, Nigeria’s participation at WGC2025 is particularly significant given China’s status as a key investment hub for the gas industry.

She pointed out that a number of Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are already operating in Nigeria.

“There are so many of them doing business with us. Industry operators can leverage opportunities from their technology and services,” she said.

“Some of these Chinese OEMs are ready to play and deliver high-quality projects at competitive prices, all within industry standards. We are going to China to look for business and come back with deals that can run Nigeria’s economy.”

Emenike also highlighted Nigeria’s estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, a stable legal framework, and a reputation for responsible operations.

She stressed that the future of global development is tied to Nigeria’s youthful and productive population, making it a prime destination for investors.

“This is the place to be when it comes to investment opportunity,” she concluded.