Nigeria’s gas sector is in need of sustained investment to drive economic growth and industrialization, according to senior leaders at Shell Energy Nigeria. This was emphasized at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss investment opportunities across the gas value chain.
Investment in infrastructure, consistent policy and regulations, and strategic partnerships are crucial for the development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources. General Manager of Shell Energy Nigeria, Markus Hector, highlighted the importance of collaboration between international oil companies (IOCs) and independent operators, stating that such partnerships can bring together international experience, technical expertise, and local insight.
Hector emphasized that these partnerships must also focus on building domestic capacity in areas such as engineering, supply chain management, and operations. Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, Ralph Gbobo, also underscored the need for infrastructure development, citing the company’s efforts to build gas hubs in several cities, including Port Harcourt, Aba, Ota, and Yenagoa.
Gbobo noted that investing in infrastructure will not only improve access to gas but also reduce costs and emissions, making it a more viable option for industries and communities. He also stressed the importance of policy clarity and consistency in attracting long-term capital, as well as effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Gas Investment Forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss opportunities and challenges in the gas sector. The event highlighted the immense opportunities presented by Nigeria’s gas resources, which are expected to play a critical role in the country’s energy transition, providing reliable power and displacing more carbon-intensive fuels.
The success of Nigeria’s gas sector will depend on a collaborative effort from both the public and private sectors, with a focus on building infrastructure, promoting policy clarity, and fostering strategic partnerships. As the country seeks to drive economic growth and industrialization, the development of its gas resources is likely to remain a key priority.