Stakeholders at the inaugural Legal Forum of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) have identified regulatory clarity, disciplined implementation and institutional alignment as critical to unlocking sustained investment in Nigeria’s gas sector.
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The forum, held under the theme, ‘Strengthening Nigeria’s Gas Legal Framework for a Low-Carbon, Commercially Viable Future’, brought together policymakers, regulators, legal practitioners and industry executives to examine how legal frameworks can support a low-carbon and commercially viable gas sector.
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President of the association, Aka Nwokedi, said Nigeria’s gas resources present an opportunity for economic transformation, but noted that growth in the sector would depend on building a regulatory system that is transparent, predictable and competitive.
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Discussions indicated that while the Petroleum Industry Act provides a foundation for reform, its impact has been limited by gaps in implementation, regulatory inconsistencies and weak institutional alignment, which stakeholders said continue to create uncertainty for investors.
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Participants also identified natural gas as central to balancing economic growth, energy security and emissions reduction, but stressed that achieving this would require enforceable standards on carbon management, environmental, social and governance (ESG) obligations and broader sustainability goals.
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They added that investor confidence would depend on stronger commercial frameworks, including clearer contractual structures, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms and a more stable fiscal environment to reduce risks and support project delivery.
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Stakeholders further acknowledged policy efforts under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand gas infrastructure and domestic utilisation, noting that policy consistency would be critical in attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
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The forum also highlighted the need for sustained engagement between regulators, legal experts and industry players as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its gas sector and align it with broader energy transition goals.