LAGOS, NIGERIA — Energy executives at Nigeria’s Gas Investment Forum in Lagos called for major investment in the nation’s vast gas reserves, highlighting their potential to drive industrialisation, job creation, and energy security across the continent.
Speaking at the two-day event held on 29-30 September, Chevron Nigeria’s Chris Jablonski emphasised the transformative potential of the country’s natural endowment:
“Nigeria has already won the geology lottery. Our gas resources can power industries, support manufacturing, expand regional trade, strengthen energy security, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. Natural gas is not simply an energy resource. It’s a development resource.”
Industry leaders stressed that unlocking this potential requires market reforms that can attract infrastructure financing. Chichi Emenike of Neconde Energy advocated for a “willing-buyer, willing-seller” framework, noting that artificial price ceilings hinder investor participation.
To show the magnitude of the opportunity, Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, said Nigeria has more than 250 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, with about 600 TCF still undiscovered.
“By the time we have more gas production, we can see that the power issue in Nigeria will be solved, and more jobs will be created,” Ajayi said, describing expanded production as a potential “game changer for the country.”
The forum focused on mobilising domestic and international capital across production, power, and industrial infrastructure.
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