The General Manager (Commercial and Planning) at ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), Mrs. Kike Asuelime has emphasised Nigeria’s promising gas future and the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy.
In her opening remarks as one of the lead speakers at the recently concluded 14th Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association, (NLPGA) Conference and Exhibition held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Asuelime acknowledged the global shift towards sustainable and cleaner energy sources.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Production: Impact on New Gas Supplies – LNG, CNG, and PNG’, she underscored that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves represent a powerful opportunity for economic growth and environmental stewardship. “Gas is the transition fuel”, she stated, emphasising that it is essential for Nigeria’s journey to cleaner energy and improved energy efficiency.
Drawing on perspectives shared by prior speakers at the conference and exhibition, Asuelime noted the strategic importance of gas not only as a resource but as a vehicle for broad economic and social benefits. “Our commitment to CNG, LNG, and other gas forms is not simply about extraction; it’s about creating an inclusive growth model, enhancing national energy security, and achieving our environmental goals”, she highlighted.
She further said that the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative holds great promise for a sustainable future for Nigeria, urging the participants to view gas resources as a pathway to economic resilience and prosperity. “This journey is about driving Nigeria toward a secure, inclusive, and environmentally responsible energy future”, Asuelime added.
Drawing from her opening remarks, the panelists also noted that the infrastructure gap is a critical barrier, particularly the pipeline networks and the need for improved road networks to link rich gas regions with demand centers
The panelists also recommended the unpacking Nigeria’s expanding energy supply and the drive toward domestic growth in such a way that experiences a parallel boost in infrastructure investments that is expanding energy options for consumers and industry players alike.
They also suggested
- A broader energy mix for consumers in such a way that there would be significant benefits of the energy expansion and the diversification of options available to Nigerian consumers, with LPG being a cleaner and potentially more affordable alternative to traditional fuels like kerosene and wood.
- Creating room for new market players as increasing opportunities for smaller stakeholders in the LPG market, an industry historically dominated by large operators. Recent policies and incentives have opened up the market, encouraging more small- and medium-scale players to join
- Strengthening infrastructure for long-term viability to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential, positioning the Country as a competitive player in regional and global energy markets.
- To promote natural gas adoption in Nigeria: safety, awareness, and regulatory bodies need to address public concerns regarding compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption. Recent safety incidents in the sector have created public skepticism about CNG’s safety as some Nigerians are worried about safety; government and regulatory agencies must take steps to reassure the public.
Asuelime also informed her audience about the state-of-the-art 300mmscf gas plant AGPC is building in Owerri, Imo State, which is due to commence production soon. She said the gas plant is a 50-50 equity holding between Seplat Energy and NNPC Limited. When the plant commences production, it would enhance gas availability for domestic markets, support Nigeria’s power sector, drive economic growth and industrialisation, reduce carbon emissions, generate employment opportunities, strengthen Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, and promote community development initiatives through targeted CSR projects.
She urged the government, industry leaders, and local communities to work together in supporting CNG adoption and LPG expansion. In order to build a culture of safety and trust around cleaner energy alternatives, she said that coordinated efforts would be essential. “For this transition to succeed, we need government, regulators, industry, and the public aligned on safety and sustainability”, Asuelime said.
As Nigeria’s energy landscape evolves, the path forward will require not only infrastructure improvements but also a commitment to inclusive, sustainable practices that make these benefits accessible to all Nigerians.
