The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called for a fundamental shift in how local content is developed within Nigeria’s gas sector.
Speaking at the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026), Ekpo stressed that local content should move beyond mere regulatory compliance to a results-oriented approach that enhances industrial capacity and global competitiveness.
The Minister urged government bodies, industry operators, financial institutions, and training organisations to work together in delivering measurable and impactful local content initiatives.
Describing gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and industrial strategy, Ekpo highlighted opportunities in power generation, clean cooking solutions, fertilisers, petrochemicals, and compressed natural gas.
“The Summit’s theme, ‘Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future,’ strongly reflects the gas sector’s role. Natural gas is vital not only for energy security and a pragmatic transition to low-carbon systems but also as the backbone of industrialisation and economic resilience,” he said.
“For Africa, and particularly Nigeria, gas represents the most immediate, scalable, and inclusive pathway to economic diversification, industrial growth, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Ekpo encouraged stakeholders to adopt practical frameworks, measurable targets, and scalable models to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic progress.
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In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, echoed the call for a shift from compliance-driven to performance-driven local content that builds enduring industrial capacity.
Represented by Iren Ikemba, Oyekunle outlined four key priorities: strengthening indigenous capability, catalysing technology transfer and innovation, expanding quality employment, and deepening domestic value creation along the gas value chain.
She emphasised that policymakers should design incentives that reward capability and performance, industry operators must pursue genuine partnerships, financiers should back local excellence, and domestic firms must consistently meet international standards.
She noted that Nigeria’s approach to local content is increasingly focused on tangible outcomes, competitiveness, and regional integration, urging stakeholders to engage in solution-oriented discussions and leave the summit with actionable commitments.
