Abuja: Stakeholders in the energy sector have called for the effective implementation of existing gas utilisation policies to drive industrialisation and reduce poverty across Africa. The call was made by Dr Emeka Okafor, Founder and Managing Consultant of Emogas Limited, and Chief Host of the 2nd Annual Emogas International Natural Gas-Based Industry Conference and Exhibition (EINGICE 2025).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okafor stressed the importance of Nigeria and other African nations moving beyond lamenting underutilised gas reserves to fully harnessing them for sustainable economic growth. ‘Nigeria has abundant gas resources that can make us an economically prosperous nation if properly harnessed. We already have several policies in place; what remains is full and sincere implementation,’ he stated.
Okafor highlighted that gas-based industrialisation could address Nigeria’s persistent power and poverty challenges by ensuring reliable electricity supply and supporting energy-intensive industries. He identified poor policy implementation, corruption, and mismanagement as key barriers to maximising the country’s gas potential and urged the government to prioritise transparency and public awareness on the benefits of gas utilisation.
Speaking on the emerging Africa Energy Bank (AEB), he described it as a ‘game changer’ capable of financing Africa’s energy transformation without over-reliance on external institutions. ‘The Africa Energy Bank is an innovative idea that will enable African entrepreneurs to access funds for gas projects and industrial ventures using local resources,’ Okafor said.
Earlier, Mr Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman/CEO of the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), commended the organisers for providing a platform to advance conversations on Nigeria’s gas-driven industrial future. Ahmed reaffirmed Pi-CNG’s commitment to driving the nation’s clean energy transition through the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Felix Ogbe, emphasised the conference theme’s alignment with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas, reflecting government commitment to harness gas as a transition fuel. Ogbe commended the organisers for fostering dialogue on policy and financial frameworks that will accelerate industrialisation and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
Energy expert Mr ThankGod Egbe called for deeper collaboration among energy banks, governments, industry players, and academia to address procurement challenges in Africa’s gas sector. He identified high capital costs and foreign exchange constraints as major hurdles, urging energy banks to develop tailored financing products and governments to provide fiscal incentives.
Similarly, Mr Ere Iyalla, Head of Gas Division at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), noted that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, if efficiently harnessed, could ensure reliable and affordable power supply and boost industrial production. Iyalla said ending energy poverty in Nigeria requires a multi-track approach, including expanding off-grid access and reforming policies to attract investment.
During the panel sessions, experts including Mr Gbite Falade and Dr Abiodun Ogunjobi emphasised the need to end energy poverty to unlock Nigeria’s full economic potential. They noted that targeted policy reforms and improved regulatory frameworks would accelerate industrialisation and drive inclusive economic growth.
The two-day conference brought together energy experts, policymakers, and investors to explore strategies for harnessing Africa’s gas resources to promote industrial growth and energy security. Highlights included awards to industry leaders and exhibitions showcasing renewable technologies.