Industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and development finance institutions have called for urgent action to expand domestic gas access in Nigeria, stressing that the country must translate its vast natural gas reserves into tangible economic and energy benefits for businesses and households.
The call was made at the second edition of the ALDG Business Forum 2026, organised by the Association of Local Distributors of Gas (ALDG) in Abuja under the theme, “From Gas Abundance to Gas Access: Reassessing Nigeria’s Gas Distribution Imperatives.”
Participants noted that despite holding approximately 215 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven natural gas reserves—the largest in Africa—Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in domestic gas utilisation, distribution infrastructure, and energy access.
Stakeholders at the forum emphasized that bridging the gap between resource abundance and widespread availability will require sustained investment, policy consistency, regulatory certainty, and stronger collaboration across the gas value chain.
Discussions focused on accelerating the development of critical infrastructure, including pipeline networks, storage facilities, and downstream distribution systems capable of delivering gas efficiently to industrial users, commercial enterprises, and households nationwide.
Participants also highlighted the need for greater involvement of development finance institutions in providing affordable, long-term local-currency financing to support gas infrastructure projects and reduce investment risks. Industry experts further advocated strategic partnerships among operators and investors, including the creation of gas aggregation hubs and scalable distribution models to improve market efficiency and expand access.
Speaking at the event, ALDG Chairman Kehinde Alabi said Nigeria must move beyond discussions about its gas potential and focus on execution.
“Nigeria cannot afford to remain a footnote in its own gas story. We have the reserves, we have the policy frameworks, and increasingly we have the investor appetite. What we need now is execution from the wellhead to the household,” Alabi said.
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Director of Midstream and Downstream Gas at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Irene Ikenma, said the commercial fundamentals of Nigeria’s gas sector remain attractive but require stronger policy and infrastructure support to unlock large-scale investment.
“The commercial fundamentals for gas distribution in Nigeria are compelling, but investment will only flow at the scale required when there is regulatory certainty and infrastructure capable of supporting long-term returns,” she said.
Lawmakers also reiterated their support for reforms aimed at expanding gas access and attracting investment into the sector. Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Gas, said the National Assembly would continue to support legislative measures designed to remove bottlenecks and accelerate infrastructure development.
“The National Assembly is fully aligned with the imperative to accelerate gas access for Nigerians. We will continue to support reforms that attract investment and strengthen accountability in delivering Nigeria’s gas distribution objectives,” he said.
The forum underscored the strategic role of natural gas in Nigeria’s energy transition and economic diversification agenda. Participants agreed that improving gas distribution infrastructure and access could help reduce energy costs, support industrial growth, enhance energy security, and drive inclusive economic development.
Now in its second edition, the ALDG Business Forum has emerged as a key platform for dialogue between government agencies, industry operators, investors, and development partners seeking practical solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s gas distribution ecosystem and unlock the economic value of the country’s extensive gas resources.