The Federal Government has called on local and foreign investors to help expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure in order to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the appeal at the 2026 Association of Local Distributors of Gas (ALDG) Business Forum held in Abuja.

Speaking through a ministry representative, he said Nigeria has about 209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, placing it among the most gas-rich countries in the world. However, he noted that the bigger challenge is not the availability of gas, but how widely it can be accessed and used across the country.

Ekpo explained that the true measure of progress would be how effectively gas supports industries, powers homes, creates employment, and strengthens the economy.

He also highlighted ongoing government efforts under the “Decade of Gas” programme introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alongside reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, aimed at attracting investment and improving regulation in the sector.

According to him, achieving a stronger gas-powered economy will require stable policies, stronger institutions, improved infrastructure, and active cooperation between government and private sector players.

He urged stakeholders to focus more on practical investments and solutions that will improve gas distribution and ensure more Nigerians benefit directly from the country’s natural resources.