The minister, speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, stated that achieving Africa’s energy transformation demands a collective commitment from all stakeholders.
Ekpo described Africa’s energy deficit as an urgent challenge that demands immediate action, emphasizing the crucial role of natural gas in bridging the gap.
He emphasised that natural gas, as a transition fuel between conventional fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, is set to play a pivotal role in Africa’s energy landscape, providing a viable solution to the continent’s pressing energy challenges.
The gas minister, however, emphasized that energy is crucial for industrialisation, economic growth, and human development, highlighting that millions of Africans, including Nigerians, still lack access to reliable electricity.
Ekpo added that it is crucial to harness natural gas to power industries, electrify communities, and drive socio-economic development.
“Governments, investors, and development partners must work together to remove bottlenecks and accelerate energy access through innovation, technology, and strategic investments. We are implementing key reforms and infrastructure projects to ensure that gas becomes a catalyst for widespread electrification and industrialisation,” he said.
Ekpo highlighted Nigeria’s advancements, referencing the Decade of Gas initiative, which seeks to establish gas as a fundamental pillar of the country’s energy transition.
