Nigeria’s Gas Minister Vows to Harness Gas Resources for Economic Growth

Yenagoa , Nigeria – Minister of Gas, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s vast gas resources to drive economic growth. With 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Ekpo emphasized the need to utilize this abundance to improve living standards and achieve a gas-driven economy by 2030.

“We want the living standard of our people to be bearable because with gas, we can drive the economy of the nation,” Ekpo said. “In the decade of gas, we are looking at a gas-driven economy by the year 2030. This is part of the project, and I encourage the ES, I encourage all the directors to work hand in hand to deliver on the mandate that Mr. President has given.”

Ekpo, co-chairman of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) governing council, highlighted the importance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, safer, and cheaper alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). “I hate to recall the number because I have been saying that since I assumed office in August, but now it is time for us to go into the field and do the needful, especially on the CNG,” he added.

The Minister praised the NCDMB’s achievements over the past 14 years and urged them to do more to meet the country’s demands. “I am really impressed with what NCDMB has done in the space of 14 years after its creation, and I am here as a minister to encourage you to do more in line with the mandate of Mr. President,” Ekpo said.

Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, also emphasized the need to empower Nigerian companies while encouraging investors to participate in the growth process. “We have a task, and with the directive of Mr. President, we have a task in our hand, and we are going to drive the process to improve from where we are now,” he said. “It is our responsibility to make sure we move NCDMB from its current position to 70% by 2027, and we will try and make sure that Nigerian companies are empowered, not at the expense of investors.”

This commitment to harnessing gas resources is expected to significantly impact Nigeria’s economy and improve living standards by 2030.