Nigeria’s Gas Minister Calls for Balanced Natural Gas Strategy Across Africa
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has urged African nations to adopt a strategic approach to balancing natural gas exports with domestic usage. Ekpo, who is also the President of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), made the appeal during the 3rd GECF Africa Day Workshop in Doha, Qatar.
The event coincided with the 63rd anniversary of Africa Day and the 25th anniversary of the GECF. Ekpo emphasized that the challenge of balancing gas exports with domestic needs is not just an energy issue but a broader developmental imperative requiring visionary leadership and careful planning.
The Dual Role of Natural Gas
Ekpo highlighted the critical role natural gas plays in Africa’s economic landscape. While exports generate significant revenue and secure access to international markets, he stressed that domestic utilization is equally vital. Gas can power industries, provide electricity, produce fertilizers, and support clean cooking initiatives, creating jobs and driving economic transformation.
“Exports can provide revenues, scale, and investor confidence. Domestic utilization can deliver the development multiplier. Together, they can turn natural gas from a source of fiscal income into a driver of structural transformation,” Ekpo stated.
However, the minister warned that focusing solely on exports without building domestic capacity could lead to persistent challenges. Many African nations already face electricity shortages, weak industrialization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited job creation despite earning substantial export revenues.
Private Sector and Regional Cooperation
Ekpo underscored the importance of private sector involvement and regional collaboration in achieving this balance. He assured that the GECF would support African countries through evidence-based analysis, technical cooperation, and the exchange of practical solutions.
The minister’s call comes at a time when Africa’s natural gas reserves are increasingly in demand globally, particularly as countries seek cleaner energy alternatives. However, Ekpo’s message is clear: Africa must harness its resources not just for export profits but for sustainable development at home.
A Broader Development Challenge
Ekpo framed the issue as a development challenge that goes beyond energy. He argued that strategic gas utilization could unlock transformative opportunities across multiple sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing.
The minister’s remarks resonate with broader debates about resource management in Africa. Critics have long argued that exporting raw materials without adding value domestically perpetuates economic dependence. Ekpo’s call for a balanced approach reflects a growing recognition of this issue among African leaders.
Looking Ahead
As Africa continues to explore its natural gas potential, Ekpo’s appeal highlights the need for policies that prioritize both export revenue and domestic growth. His leadership at the GECF positions him as a key advocate for this dual-track strategy, which could shape Africa’s energy and development policies in the coming years.
The GECF Africa Day Workshop served as a platform for African leaders and industry experts to discuss these challenges and opportunities. Ekpo’s emphasis on balancing exports with domestic utilization is likely to influence future discussions on gas resource management across the continent.
— Reported by Nexio News
