Nigeria’s vast gas reserves present a significant opportunity to address the country’s ongoing energy challenges in the country and offer a reliable solution for both domestic and industrial needs.
  
Stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews with The Guardian stated that leveraging gas resources could be instrumental in transitioning the country towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
  
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Eterna Plc, Abiola Lukman Lawal, expressed that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves offer immediate solutions to the nation’s energy challenges if well leveraged and managed.
  
He, however, called on Nigerians to adopt the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for transportation and cooking respectively, and noted that gas is a viable and cost-effective alternative that should be given proper awareness.

Lawal mentioned that there would be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner combustion compared to traditional fuels, cost savings for consumers and businesses.
  
He emphasised that Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative, Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) and Installation of CNG stations were launched for efficiency as parts of the federal government’s efforts to ensure its circulation and accessibility.
  
Lawal emphasised that Nigeria’s energy sufficiency can be achieved through CNG and LPG if critical stakeholders collaboratively invest in the gas sector. He urged for policy and regulatory reform to encourage private sector engagement and investment, emphasizing that grants and low-interest loans can encourage private investment in CNG and LPG infrastructure with more consumer sensitization efforts to create awareness of CNG and LPG as viable alternatives.

“Educate the public about the environmental and economic benefits of CNG and LPG through media campaigns, workshops, and community programmes. Incorporate information about CNG vehicles and their benefits in driver education and training programmes to inform new drivers of CNG as a viable alternative to conventional fuels.”
  
Gas and Renewable Specialist at Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) Adelanke  Dayo-Adepoju on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Clement Isong called for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions through the promotion of natural gas (CNG and LPG), solar power and biofuels like ethanol.
She stressed that the association works closely with partners to encourage the adoption of renewable energy practices in Nigeria.
 
Ubong stressed the need to embrace a gas-driven economy, highlighting its benefits to the entire populace.
According to him, it will create jobs for millions of Nigerians, boost the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stabilise the economy.

He stressed that the Decade of Gas Initiative seeks to leverage the country’s abundant natural gas resources for economic development.

“With an estimated over 206 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is regarded as the largest holder of gas reserves in Africa and 9th in the world. These reserves are not only a national asset but a global one, as it provide the foundation for energy security, industrialization, and economic growth.

“The Decade of Gas initiative, launched in 2021 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, represents a concerted effort by the government and private sector to leverage the country’s abundant natural gas resources for economic development and energy transition with a view of powering the country into development and economic growth over the next decade, anchoring on energy sufficiency, industrialisation and economic prosperity,” he said.

The Initiative Coordinator added that gas is not just a fuel, but also an industrial feedstock which can help to herald the country’s electrical generation capacity, cut energy costs, and make electricity supplies more reliable to households, businesses, and industries.

He called for investment in gas pipelines and gas-fired power plants, emphasised that Nigeria’s industrialisation lies in creating a robust domestic gas market for the sustenance of industries like petrochemical plants, fertilizer plants, and manufacturing plants.

He mentioned that by using gas as an engine for industrialisation, the industry will attract new investments, create jobs, and see a diversified economy away from the dependence on crude oil.

“The role of governments, the private sector, and the media is critical in actualizing this vision through partnership, innovation, and investment in gas-related projects. The ongoing construction of OB3, AKK, ELPs, etc., and investments in LNG facilities as well as gas processing plants are game changers for Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“We will need to ensure that we strengthen regulatory frameworks, deepen partnerships between international energy companies, and strive toward the goal of creating an enabling investment environment that attracts investment and builds investors’ confidence,” he said.