By Ali Elias
Energy experts, according to a story reported by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have called for greater technical collaboration with professional bodies such as the International Gas Union (IGU) to drive innovation and maximize Africa’s gas potential. Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, industry stakeholders emphasized the need for synergy in harnessing gas resources for both domestic and international markets.
Emeka Ene, Chairman of OIDA Group/NEDOGAS, highlighted the importance of organizations like the IGU and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in advancing industry research and development. According to him, professional bodies play a crucial role in knowledge dissemination and fostering a sustainable gas industry. He stressed the necessity of interconnected infrastructure to establish Africa as a key gas hub.
Ene underscored the need for African nations to collaborate in expanding gas infrastructure, stating that industry-led innovation and research would help break market barriers and achieve economic aspirations. He also pointed out that investment in gas infrastructure would drive economic growth, noting that “where gas goes, light goes. Where light goes, development follows.”
However, concerns about gas accessibility and infrastructure development were raised by Kamoru Busari of Muskalam Investment Ltd., who questioned the effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in addressing these challenges. He expressed surprise at reports that Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) was only operating two trains instead of six, as previously expected.
Busari also highlighted the growing issue of pipeline vandalism, stating that some host communities felt little impact from gas projects, leading to tensions. He called for a review of the PIA 2021, urging a reassessment of industry challenges to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes. He further emphasized the need for government intervention in host community development, recommending continuous monitoring and evaluation.
The discussion also touched on the modernization of gas infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety. Francis Ogaree, Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations, and Transportation Infrastructure at NMDPRA, stressed the importance of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving production efficiency. He also advocated for the development of regional LNG hubs, given the growing significance of gas in the global energy transition.
On the topic of market expansion, Cheta Okwuosa, Group Head of Business Development and Commercial at Oilserv Limited, emphasized the need for a level playing field to attract investment. He called for strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and expertise development to make LNG more attractive and ensure effective policy implementation.
Similarly, Florence Ilaka, General Manager at TotalEnergies, addressed the importance of improving demand-side margins in the domestic market to encourage supply expansion.
The panelists collectively stressed key action points, including the strengthening of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, harmonizing regulations across the continent, and attracting global investors to unlock Africa’s full gas potential. Despite the available LNG infrastructure, security concerns and vandalism remain significant obstacles affecting production and distribution. However, with renewed focus on policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic collaborations, industry experts believe that Africa is well-positioned to become a global leader in the gas sector while ensuring energy security and economic growth across the continent.