Gas-to-power solutions key to Nigeria’s energy future — Igiehon

The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Ltd, Osayande Igiehon, has stressed the importance of gas-to-power solutions as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy future.

He noted the country’s abundant natural gas resources as a critical asset capable of driving sustainable development and bridging the gap in power generation.

Igiehon argued that leveraging gas for power generation is imperative economically, as it reduces reliance on imported fuels, strengthens energy security, and fosters a vibrant domestic gas market, which, in turn, creates jobs, attracts investments, and spurs growth across the entire value chain.

He made this known during a plenary session at the recently concluded Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit, themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future – Leveraging Gas-to-Power Solutions for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.”

According to Igiehon, gas-to-power solutions are not just an option but the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy future.

He also said that fostering strong collaboration between upstream companies like Heirs Energies and power generation companies could create a seamless value chain to unlock the full potential of the nation’s natural resources for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

“The real question is not whether we have the means to power our nation, but how we can effectively harness these resources to guarantee energy security and foster sustainable development. At Heirs Energies, we believe gas-to-power offers the most reliable bridge to a sustainable energy future.

“While pursuing renewable energy remains essential, the reality is that a stable baseload energy supply is critical—and natural gas provides exactly that. It offers a cleaner alternative to coal and diesel, helping us cut carbon emissions while stabilising the national grid,” he said.

Igiehon acknowledged the government’s 2030 targets to provide access to over 90% of the population, with renewable energy projected to account for more than 30% of generation.

He added that the country is at a critical juncture—a moment when the decisions made will shape Nigeria’s energy landscape for generations to come.

“Although Nigeria faces persistent energy challenges, we are blessed with abundant natural gas resources. Most importantly, gas-to-power has the potential to dramatically improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. Reliable electricity is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental driver of human development. It powers hospitals, schools, and businesses,” he said.

He described these goals as challenging but achievable through collaboration and resource optimization, especially given Nigeria’s natural gas reserves.

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He stressed that achieving these targets requires more than good intentions; it demands unified, decisive action from all stakeholders.

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He also called on the Federal Government to provide a stable, transparent regulatory environment to encourage investments in gas production, infrastructure, power generation, transmission, distribution, and metering.

“The 2021 Petroleum Industry Act and the 2024 Presidential Directives are critical drivers for gas production and transportation, while the 2022 Power Sector Reform Bill opens the door for states, private organisations, and individuals to actively participate across the electricity value chain.”

“The private sector must also rise to the occasion by developing innovative solutions and providing capital for essential infrastructure such as gas processing plants, pipelines, modern power stations, grid upgrades at national and subnational levels, and improvements in distribution networks and metering,” he said.

Igiehon noted the need for collaboration among industry leaders to scale rural electrification through distributed solar, mini-grids, and off-grid technologies, pointing out that the potential to unlock $9.2 billion annually in solar mini-grid investments is immense.

“However, the challenges are multifaceted—from inadequate infrastructure and regulatory bottlenecks to financing constraints. No single entity can overcome these alone. Only a strong partnership between the public and private sectors will deliver the results we seek,” he said.

Igiehon reiterated that Heirs Energies is committed to being a strategic supplier of gas to power plants and industries, playing a key role in ensuring Nigeria’s energy security.

“At Heirs Energies, our mission goes beyond delivering molecules. We are committed to meeting Africa’s energy needs in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and transformative.

“This means investing in advanced technologies to reduce flaring and minimise methane emissions. It also means working closely with communities to ensure that the benefits of energy development are shared equitably. And we will continue to innovate to maximise the value of our natural gas resources for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.