The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized the need for partnership, innovation, and a commitment to tackling global energy challenges while speaking at a reception in Alberta, Calgary, Canada. He is attending the ongoing Global Energy Show, which serves as a convergence of key leaders and innovators in the energy sector.

Ekpo highlighted the show as an opportunity to present Nigeria’s vast potential in the global energy landscape, particularly in the gas sector. He welcomed Canadian businesses and investors, assuring them of Nigeria’s dedication to providing a stable and transparent environment for investments.

“Nigeria has one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world,” Ekpo noted, adding that the country is determined to utilize this resource not just for economic growth but also as a crucial part of its energy transition strategy. He pointed out that the Nigerian government has been actively working to make the gas sector more investment-friendly, citing the “Decade of Gas” initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030.

Ekpo also mentioned the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which established the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to eliminate obstacles and incentivize investments in gas infrastructure development.

In his appeal to private sector investors, Ekpo urged them to consider Nigeria as a prime investment destination and contribute to the country’s energy security and sustainability. He called for deeper collaborations that would lead to mutual prosperity and a more sustainable world.