The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has declared Nigeria open for increased global investment in its gas sector, describing the country as a key energy hub with vast proven reserves and strong potential for expansion.
Speaking on the opening day of the 2026 Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada, Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as an essential gas province in the evolving global energy landscape, assuring investors of a stable and supportive business environment.
He made the remarks during a panel session themed “The Emerging New Global Oil and Gas Order: Power, Alliances & the LNG Super-cycle,” where he highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to attracting foreign capital and deepening partnerships in the energy sector.
According to him, ongoing regulatory reforms are designed to protect investments, unlock opportunities, and accelerate sustainable growth in the oil and gas industry.
“The regulatory framework is structured to create opportunities, safeguard investments, and drive expansion across the gas value chain,” he noted.
Ekpo also spotlighted major infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) and Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipelines, describing them as strategic assets aimed at improving domestic gas distribution and expanding access across Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
He added that the long-term objective is to position Nigeria as a major supplier to Northern Africa and European energy markets.
Earlier in his keynote address at the conference, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with global energy stakeholders to enhance energy security and promote efficient resource development.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to policies that support reliable energy supply, investment growth, and sustainable development in line with global energy transition goals.
