Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said for Nigeria to achieve energy transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles, it must be willing to embrace technological innovations.
Ekpo stated this yesterday at the inaugural Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS), by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, with the theme: ‘Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation.’
According to him, Nigeria should be willing to minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and productivity in the oil and gas sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of gas as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship across the continent.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Ella, he said: “The transition to a sustainable energy future demands that we embrace innovative technologies and practices that minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and productivity. This entails investing in cutting-edge research, promoting the deployment of advanced gas technologies, and encouraging the adoption of best practices across the industry.”
“Technological innovation lies at the heart of our endeavour. From exploration and production to transportation and utilization, advancements in gas technology are revolutionizing the sector. Innovations in liquefied natural gas (LNG), CNG for vehicles, gas-to-power solutions, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are just a few examples of how technology is reshaping the landscape. As policymakers, we must create an enabling environment that fosters innovation. This includes providing incentives for research and development, facilitating partnerships between industry and academia, and ensuring a robust regulatory framework that encourages technological advancement while safeguarding public and environmental health.”
Also, SPE Chairman, Salahuddeen Tahir, identified lack of financing, technological and skills gap, high costs of oil and gas production, as some of the challenges plaguing the sector.
He said: “Africa’s energy landscape is at a critical juncture, with the imperative need for sustainable solutions. Top most challenges in our industry are financing, technological and skills gap, high costs of oil and gas production, infrastructure challenges, global push for transition to cleaner energy as well as security issues.
“There is no gainsaying ladies and gentlemen that Africa needs to urgently innovate for the benefit of our industry, our respective economies and our citizenry.
“Today, we hear of new players in the African gas space, Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, a far departure from the normals: Nigeria. Egypt, Algeria, Gabon and Angola.
“There is no doubt ladies and gentlemen, that Africa is sitting on vast oil and gas resources. Our easiest path to a sustainable future lles in our gas resources.
“The shortest path to developing these gas resources is through collaboration. Collaboration such as what we are demonstrating today by coming together to make this event happen. Ladies and gentlemen the window of opportunity for our African gas industry is now.”