LAGOS, Nigeria, October 15, 2025 q- The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) has reiterated the transformative role of gas in shaping Africa’s economic and industrial landscape during the recently concluded Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos from October 7–8, 2025.
Delivering remarks at the event, Dr. Grace Orife, Board Advisory Member of the AEC, emphasized that gas remains the foundation for Africa’s industrial renaissance and long-term energy security.
She stressed that harnessing the continent’s abundant gas reserves will be crucial in addressing energy poverty, fostering job creation, and driving sustainable growth.
“Gas is not merely a transition fuel; it is the cornerstone of Africa’s industrial renaissance,” said Dr. Orife.
“It powers our factories, supports fertilizer production, enables power generation, and creates opportunities across the value chain.
This is why forums such as the Gas Investment Forum are essential platforms to accelerate collaboration and investment in this vital sector.”
Gas Investment Forum Highlights Nigeria’s Leadership in Africa’s Energy Transition
Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, launched in 2021, continues to anchor the country’s commitment to maximizing its 210 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves.
The initiative seeks to expand domestic gas utilization, support industrial growth, and strengthen export potential.
Dr. Orife commended Nigeria for spearheading Africa’s gas revolution through flagship infrastructure projects such as:
Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) and Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipelines,
The NLNG Train 7 expansion,
Assa North–Ohaji South joint venture between NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company and Seplat Energy, and
The Ubeta Gas Development Project led by NNPC and TotalEnergies.
“These projects demonstrate Nigeria’s determination to unlock its vast gas potential,” Orife noted, adding that the country’s regulatory stability—strengthened by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021—has already attracted over $18.2 billion in new oil and gas investments in 2025 alone.
Gas as a Catalyst for Africa’s Energy Security and Sustainable Growth
With over 600 million Africans still without access to electricity and 900 million lacking clean cooking solutions, Africa’s 620 tcf of gas resources remain central to achieving energy access and industrialization goals.
According to AEC, strategic investment in gas infrastructure can catalyze regional integration and enable local manufacturing, fertilizer production, and cleaner energy supply.
Dr. Orife also praised Nigeria’s pioneering efforts in low-carbon and sustainable gas development, highlighting key projects such as the UTM Offshore Floating LNG facility, the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialization Program, and the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.
She further acknowledged progress on major regional pipelines including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, and the West African Gas Pipeline Expansion, all of which aim to enhance intra-African energy trade and connectivity.
“To truly realize Africa’s energy potential, we must strengthen partnerships, modernize policies, and fast-track infrastructure investments,” Dr. Orife emphasized.
“By building robust midstream and downstream networks and creating financing frameworks that attract global capital, Africa can position gas as the engine of industrialization and inclusive growth.”
AEC Reinforces Advocacy at Gas Investment Forum
As the continent’s leading voice for the energy sector, the African Energy Chamber continues to advocate for pro-investment policies, public-private collaboration, and capacity development across Africa’s gas markets.
Through flagship events like the Gas Investment Forum, the AEC amplifies the strategic importance of gas in achieving Africa’s long-term energy independence.
The Chamber also announced its upcoming flagship conference, African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, scheduled for 12–16 October 2025 in Cape Town, which will further promote partnerships between African stakeholders and international investors.
The AEC reaffirmed that Nigeria’s progress in gas-led industrialization serves as a model for the continent’s broader transformation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
SOURCE:
African Energy Chamber
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