Yemisi Izuora
The new executive council of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has unveiled its agenda at the 2021 Industry Multilogues and has commenced wide consultations with stakeholders in the Nigerian gas sector.
In his special presentation, the 8th President of the International Gas Union (IGU), Mr. Joe Kang, posited that with increasing global energy demand, hydrocarbons would continue to be critical to powering heavy global industrial production even in the face of the energy transition, with Gas being the frontrunner.
According to Kang, this is manifest in “Sustainable economic development of Nigeria through power generation, enhancing LPG utilisation among Nigerian households and supply to gas-based companies. ”
“Our Efforts will continue to focus on Gas to transmute Nigeria from dependence to a cleaner, more acceptable affordable and accessible energy use in Gas,” said Timipre Sylva, the honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, whose presentation was delivered by his Senior Technical Adviser on Gas, Mr. Justice Derefaka.
The Minister identified Natural Gas as the most acceptable alternative as the world transitions from fossils to renewable energy. He reiterated the Federal Government’s policy position of dedicating this decade to ensure that Natural Gas plays a vital role in the nation’s energy agenda.
He added that these programmes would transit the domestic market from reliance on refined petroleum products to cleaner, more sustainable, and affordable energy options for broader applications. Also, that Nigeria must continue to reposition its vast Natural Gas resources to better serve its energy needs in line with global best practices.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was the special guest, declared his administration’s readiness to partner with proponents of the Gas industry to realise its aspirations in Lagos State – Nigeria’s most advanced economic hub. He said Natural Gas has remained critical to the State’s vision in providing environmentally efficient fuel options in driving development and providing social services to over 20 million people in the State.
“We need to create more green jobs, improve air quality, reduce carbon emission and have a healthy environment to improve the state of living of our city,” Sanwo-Olu said.
After a robust presentation, engaging deliberations, and very insightful discourse, the panellists and speakers came to a series of conclusions which are contained in a communique presented to the public.
Meanwhile, the new NGA executive, under the leadership of Ed Ubong, has commenced visits and consultations with critical industry stakeholders.