Uche Cecil Izuora
The International Gas Union (IGU) has called for unified regional cooperation, accelerated cross-border infrastructure development, and regulatory harmonization to unlock West Africa’s vast natural gas resources and anchor long-term economic transformation.
The charge was delivered by Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, the IGU Regional Coordinator for Africa, during his Opening Keynote Address at the 2026 West Africa Gas Summit (WAGS 2026) in Accra, Ghana, where he represented IGU President Andrea Stegher.
Addressing an international delegation of policymakers, regulators, and energy executives, Nwokedi noted that the global energy landscape is being radically reconfigured by shifting alliances, supply chain realignments, and resource competition. He highlighted that escalating global disruptions—including tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz crisis—have accelerated Africa’s positioning as a vital, strategic gas supply alternative.
Nwokedi cautioned, however, that the continent must transition away from fragmented national markets to insulate itself from risk and fully capture these emerging global opportunities.
“No single country—regardless of its resource endowment—can independently unlock the full potential of its gas sector. But together, through coordinated policies, shared infrastructure, and integrated markets, the countries of West Africa can build the scale and resilience required to compete effectively. In this environment, energy security means more than ever for the region—it means economic sovereignty.” — Akachukwu Nwokedi, IGU Regional Coordinator for Africa.
The IGU emphasized that natural gas is not merely an export commodity, but a fundamental driver of socio-economic development, domestic manufacturing, and industrialization. When fully utilized, domestic gas capacity expands power generation, fuels petrochemical and manufacturing expansion, and replaces traditional biomass dependence with cleaner energy solutions.
To transition from potential to shared prosperity, the IGU outlined a clear framework for regional action, including addressing critical gaps in transportation, storage, and distribution networks by advancing bankable cross-border assets like the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. Furthermore, the IGU stressed the importance of aligning national energy strategies, guaranteeing investor transparency, and deploying innovative, small-scale LNG and virtual pipeline concepts to reach underserved communities.
Nwokedi concluded by urging delegates to pivot swiftly from dialogue to execution to address energy security, industrialisation, and economic transformation across the sub-region.
Elohor Aiboni’s Emergence As EVP/Chairman Of Shell A Milestone For Women In Energy Sector- WIEN
Yemisi Izuora
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN), has launched a massive support for Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, on her appointment as Executive Vice President and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria which makes her the first Nigerian to occupy the combined leadership position in the global energy major’s operations in the country.
Describing the appointment as a landmark achievement, WIEN said it represents a proud moment for Nigeria’s energy industry and a fitting recognition of Mrs. Aiboni’s exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence cultivated over more than two decades of service within the Shell Group.
According to the organisation, Mrs. Aiboni has consistently exemplified the belief that professionalism, performance and excellence are not defined or constrained by gender. As a respected member of WIEN, she has remained a strong symbol of the immense capabilities and value women bring to leadership and technical roles across the energy value chain.
WIEN noted that her emergence as the first Nigerian Executive Vice President and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria is not only a personal accomplishment but also a defining milestone for women in the industry and a reaffirmation that competence, dedication and integrity remain the enduring foundations of leadership at the highest level.
The network observed that Mrs. Aiboni’s appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as it adapts to evolving global energy realities, pursues greater operational efficiency and seeks to attract fresh investments.
It added that her extensive experience spanning onshore, shallow-water and deepwater operations, complemented by international assignments and a proven track record in production optimisation and asset management, uniquely positions her to provide the strategic leadership required to guide Shell’s Nigerian operations into a new phase of growth and sustainability.
Speaking on the development, President of WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, described the appointment as a victory for merit, inclusion and the increasing recognition of Nigerian professionals in global leadership positions.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and the entire membership of the Women in Energy Network, we warmly congratulate our esteemed member, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, on this historic appointment. She has distinguished herself as an accomplished professional and an inspiring leader whose contributions to the energy industry and commitment to mentoring younger women professionals embody the ideals that WIEN stands for.
“Her appointment is a source of immense pride to our network and a powerful inspiration to countless young women who aspire to build successful careers in the energy sector. It demonstrates that barriers can be broken and that excellence and competence will always find expression.
“We are confident that she will bring her wealth of experience, strategic insight and exemplary leadership to bear in her new role and further strengthen Shell’s contribution to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development,” she said.
WIEN further stated that Mrs. Aiboni’s elevation underscores the growing importance of diversity and inclusive leadership in driving innovation, resilience and sustainable growth across the energy industry.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem that supports women professionals through mentorship, capacity development, advocacy and strategic partnerships, while continuing to champion greater participation of women in leadership and technical positions throughout the sector.
“Once again, we congratulate Mrs. Elohor Aiboni on this well-deserved and historic achievement and wish her every success as she assumes this important responsibility,” WIEN said.
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is Nigeria’s foremost professional platform for women in the energy industry, dedicated to promoting leadership, diversity, capacity development and sustainable growth across the entire energy value chain.