By Faridat Salifu
In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a promising partnership with Alberta, Canada, with the aim of bolstering the development of gas infrastructure, particularly trunk and distribution pipelines across Nigeria.
This announcement came after productive discussions between Nigerian officials and Alberta Premier Daniella Smith on Monday, September 18.
The primary focus of these discussions centered on the critical need to enhance Nigeria’s gas infrastructure to ensure the efficient transport of gas to where it is needed.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration is steadfast in its commitment to addressing this challenge and ensuring the effective distribution of gas resources within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
To facilitate this collaboration, Nigerian officials are preparing to engage with potential investors, especially those with experience in pipeline construction in Alberta, Canada, and the United States.
These investors are encouraged to bring their expertise back to Nigeria and contribute to the development of essential gas infrastructure.
A pivotal aspect of Nigeria’s energy strategy is its dedication to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. This comprehensive approach encompasses financing, technology transfer, and infrastructure development, all aimed at enabling Nigeria to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2060.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of customizing the net-zero framework to align with Nigeria’s unique circumstances and abundant resources.
Gas has been identified as a crucial transitional fuel, and Nigeria is determined to integrate domestic gas usage in every household, factory, and industry across the nation.
Furthermore, this policy extends to exporting gas to neighboring regions, leveraging Nigeria’s vast gas reserves. However, achieving these ambitious objectives necessitates substantial financial investment.
The Nigerian delegation also seeks to attract investor interest in the country. The recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the liberalization of the sector have created opportunities for global players to participate in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Regarding asset divestment, it was clarified that this can be seen as a positive development, offering opportunities for investment and growth. The assets being divested are considered valuable, and capable operators are actively pursuing them. The focus remains on ensuring a conducive business environment for investment in the oil and gas sector.
Nigeria and Alberta are forging a promising partnership to enhance gas infrastructure and pipelines, setting the stage for a more robust and sustainable energy future in Nigeria and the broader region.
This collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy sources and the development of its gas resources to meet its ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2060.