Policy Consistency, Infrastructure Development Critical To Unlocking Nigeria’s Gas Potentials

Nigeria needs sustained actions to attract and retain investments in the gas sector to ensure economic growth and industrialization, senior leaders of the Shell Energy Nigeria organisation said at the 3rd edition of the Gas Investment Forum which held in Lagos this week.

Investments in key infrastructure, consistency in policy and regulations and partnerships were highlighted as enablers for the development of the nation’s huge gas resources.

General Manager Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector and Managing Director Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) Ralph Gbobo made the remarks at separate sessions at the conference.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Head, Portfolio, Regulation and Supply Chuka Amos-Ejesi, at a panel session on Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Imperative: Driving Investments through IOC–Independent Partnerships, Markus said: “There is a clear strategic case for collaboration. IOCs bring international experience, deep capital reserves, and strong technical and risk management frameworks while independents bring local insight, agility, and operational flexibility in the Nigerian context.”

He said such “partnerships must also build domestic capacity — in engineering, supply chain, operations, and maintenance.”

Earlier in his own remarks at the opening ceremony, Ralph said SNG was developing infrastructure by building gas hubs in Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and recently, Yenagoa and hopes to extend to other cities.

He described infrastructure “as the backbone of Nigeria’s gas industrialisation journey, saying investments in this area “will not only improve access but also reduce costs and emissions, making gas a more viable option for industries and communities.”

Ralph said policy clarity and consistency is essential for attracting long-term capital while “effective collaboration is the catalyst for scale and innovation.”

He added: “The opportunities are immense, gas will continue to support Nigeria’s energy transition, providing reliable power while displacing more carbon-intensive fuels, enhance job creation, industrial diversification, and regional trade. The success of these levers will be a collaborative effort from both the public and private sectors.”

The Gas Investment Forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders on investment opportunities across the gas value chain—upstream, midstream and downstream.

In another news,

Nigeria needs bankable gas investments to strengthen the nation’s Nigeria’s energy industry as such investments would increase investor confidence and expand energy access across the country.

This is the view expressed by speakers and panelists at the recent Annual Energy Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) in Lagos.

At the event they stressed that creating bankable projects is essential to attract capital and drive the Decade of Gas initiative.

During a panel session themed “Accessing Financing and Investment for Gas,” representatives from Neconde Energy Limited, Rainoil Limited, Eterna Plc, and Sahara Group urged the government to make domestic gas projects commercially viable.

They explained that when investments are bankable, investor confidence increases, and energy access expands across the country.

Mr Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, represented by Mr Bethel Obioma, stated that Africa must adopt collaborative policies and bold reforms.

He added that bankable gas investments depend on sound governance, stable regulations, and inclusive partnerships. According to him, these elements ensure long-term growth and energy sustainability.

Furthermore, he noted that technological innovation plays a vital role in diversifying the energy mix.

Adesina stressed that sustainability should remain central to all energy strategies. He also urged leaders to support legislation that promotes environmental protection, public safety, and the development of renewable energy.

Engr. Chichi Emenike, Acting Managing Director and Gas Asset Manager at Neconde Energy, highlighted that the commercialising gas projects is critical. She said investors must recover their capital with fair returns to maintain interest in the sector.

Similarly, Mr Olumide Adeosun, Chief Executive Officer of Eterna Plc, discussed barriers that limit cleaner fuel adoption. He lamented the high cost of switching from kerosene and other fuels to gas, especially for low-income households. Therefore, he appealed to the government to subsidise conversion kits and encourage local manufacturing of gas cylinders and cookers.

The panellists also demanded policies that include gas infrastructure in both new and existing estates.

They agreed that without last-mile delivery systems, the national gas penetration drive may not succeed.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s transition to a gas-powered economy requires collaboration, innovation, and strong financial structures. Through focused reforms and consistent incentives, the nation can unlock the full potential of its gas sector and achieve sustainable growth.