By Obiabin Onukwugha
Stakeholders have urged the federal government have emphasized the need for urgent action by the federal government to implement the government’s “Decade of Gas” policy (2020–2030) so as to solve rising prices of gas.
They also emphasised the need to fast-track investments in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure to boost domestic supply and affordability, by compelling LPG importers to establish processing and bottling plants within Nigeria.
The stakeholders stressed the need for robust investment in CNG to serve as an alternative transportation fuel and industrial energy source, noting that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves must be effectively harnessed to drive economic diversification and industrial growth.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST), organized by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State.
According to the communiqué, released on Monday, such move will ensure consistent availability of gas, reduce dependence on imports, and make the product more affordable for consumers.
It highlighted the importance of transparency and ethical leadership in resource management, describing transparency as the “currency of trust” in Africa’s hydrocarbon industry. It also called for greater intra-African partnerships to strengthen regional energy development and local participation in refining, gas utilization, and infrastructure expansion.
“Considering the government policy of 2020–2030 as the Decade of Gas, the government should speed up CNG investment and ensure all LPG importers set up processing plants in Nigeria so that the commodity will be readily available and at an affordable price,” the communiqué read in part.
The stakeholders advocated for digitalization, innovation, and technology adoption to maximize gas utilization and promote sustainability across industries, agriculture, and ICT sectors. They also called for liberalization of the gas market and stronger government focus on gas-based solutions as catalysts for national development.
The conference, which has it theme: “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance,” brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on governance, technology, and environmental strategies for Africa’s evolving energy sector.
The conference also called for the establishment of Centres of Excellence at PTI and Nigerian universities to bridge manpower and technology gaps in the hydrocarbon sector.
Declaring the conference closed, PTI Principal and Chief Executive, Engr. Samuel Onoji, expressed optimism that the resolutions would guide policy formulation and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s energy transformation.
