The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s gas-to-power value chain.

This forms part of broader efforts to expand electricity supply, drive industrial growth, and reduce energy poverty across the country.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known during his address at the National Gas Day session of the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026).

Ekpo highlighted that natural gas currently accounts for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s on-grid electricity generation. He described it as the backbone of the country’s power sector and a critical enabler of economic development.

He stated: “With proven natural gas reserves of over 210 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to leverage gas not just as a resource, but as a catalyst for power delivery, industrialisation and national growth”.

Ekpo noted that although Nigeria’s gas reserves rank among the largest globally, true success depends on converting those resources into actual megawatts delivered to homes, industries, hospitals, and schools.

Ekpo stated that the federal government has prioritised gas as a transition fuel. This approach aims to guarantee reliable electricity supply while aligning with climate commitments.

He said, “As a cleaner and more affordable energy source, gas enables us to expand electricity access, deepen industrialisation and reduce energy poverty in a pragmatic and development-focused manner”.

The minister disclosed a major breakthrough under the current administration. This involved the resolution of longstanding gas-to-power debts owed to gas producers, following presidential approval and ratification by the National Economic Council (NEC).

He explained that settling these legacy debts has restored confidence in the domestic gas market. It is already unlocking fresh investments in gas supply for power generation.

“For decades, unpaid gas-to-power obligations discouraged investment and constrained supply. Resolving this issue has removed a major bottleneck and laid the foundation for a more sustainable gas-to-power framework,” Ekpo said.