Amid the persistent shortage of cooking gas and skyrocketing prices across the country, energy stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to accelerate investments in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure to enhance domestic supply, reduce import dependence, and make clean energy more affordable for Nigerians.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST), organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State.
The conference, which brought together experts, policymakers, and industry players, focused on the theme “The Future of Oil and Gas in a Transitioning Energy Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”
According to the communiqué, Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves present a unique opportunity to tackle the ongoing energy crisis if effectively harnessed through adequate infrastructure development, policy consistency, and private sector participation.
The persistent scarcity and high cost of cooking gas are direct consequences of inadequate investment in gas processing and distribution infrastructure. There is an urgent need for the government to fast-track LPG and CNG expansion projects to boost domestic availability and affordability,” the communiqué stated.
Participants at the conference emphasized that the promotion of LPG and CNG would not only alleviate the burden on households but also support the country’s energy transition goals, reduce environmental pollution, and stimulate industrial growth.
The communiqué further urged the government to create incentives that would encourage local production and discourage excessive reliance on imported gas, which has made prices vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Nigeria should adopt a clear framework for gas commercialization, ensure effective regulatory oversight, and promote public-private partnerships to build refilling plants, pipelines, and distribution networks across all regions,” it added.
Speaking at the event, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Henry Adimula, reiterated the institute’s commitment to advancing research and capacity building in the energy sector. He stressed that the transition to cleaner energy sources must be guided by innovation, collaboration, and investment in technology.
As the global energy landscape evolves, Nigeria must not be left behind. Strengthening our gas infrastructure is key to ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development,” Adimula said.
The communiqué concluded with a call for strategic government policies that prioritize gas utilization, encourage local content development, and promote partnerships between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to achieve a resilient and sustainable energy future.
