Nigeria Partners UK on Gas Sector Framework

Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo

Nigeria Partners UK on Gas Sector Framework

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The Federal Government has taken a step towards strengthening its gas sector regulatory framework through a partnership with the United Kingdom’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.

A statement on Sunday said the partnership was sealed during a high-level meeting in London between the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and officials from the UK’s Ofgem and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

According to the statement signed by Ekpo’s media aide, Louis Ibah, the collaboration aims to enhance regulatory innovation and capacity development in Nigeria’s gas sector, with a focus on domestic utilisation, regional energy integration, gas-to-power projects, expansion of infrastructure through targeted investment and innovation, including pipelines and Compressed Natural Gas networks.

“The Federal Government also seeks to draw insights from Ofgem’s practices in promoting investor confidence and consumer protection,” the statement said.

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During the meeting, the gas minister emphasised the need for strong collaboration between Nigerian and UK-based firms to boost investment in gas development, stressing that partnerships between the two countries could attract investments to bolster Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

Ekpo also highlighted the importance of developing regulatory frameworks that support the integration of renewable gases, such as hydrogen, into Nigeria’s energy mix.

“By fostering partnerships between Nigerian entities and UK-based firms, we can attract investments that will bolster our gas infrastructure, ensuring efficient delivery and utilisation.

“Nigeria is committed to reducing methane emissions and promoting decarbonisation in our upstream operations. Let us continue to forge pathways that lead to a more prosperous and energy-secure future,” Ekpo added, while seeking Ofgem’s experience in overseeing emissions management.

The Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, commended the engagement, describing it as a timely intervention for Nigeria’s regulatory development.

“With Osprey Investments bridging the gap, we are tapping into global expertise to build a resilient, transparent, and investor-friendly midstream framework,” he said.

Both the Ministry and NMDPRA were said to have reiterated their commitment to sustained collaboration with Ofgem to drive reforms that align Nigeria’s gas sector with global sustainability and economic goals.