Declan Nwokoro, Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its vast natural gas reserves to drive economic growth and support Africa’s energy transition.
Speaking on the third day of the ongoing African Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, South Africa, Nwokoro joined other energy leaders in a high-level panel session titled “Accelerating Natural Gas Development & Investment Opportunities in Nigeria.” The discussion focused on the critical role of natural gas in expanding energy access across the continent, reducing carbon emissions, and attracting sustainable investments into Nigeria’s gas sector.
Panelists examined key enablers such as infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, and innovative financing models needed to unlock the full potential of natural gas as a lower-carbon energy source for Africa.
In his remarks, Nwokoro underscored NNPC Ltd’s pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda, highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting domestic utilization, expanding export capacity, and strengthening partnerships with international investors.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves — supported by government-backed incentives and investor-friendly policies — present a unique platform to accelerate industrialization, spur economic growth, and improve energy access for millions.
“Natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s energy future,” Nwokoro said. “By scaling up investments and partnerships, we can deliver the infrastructure and policies needed to transform our resources into opportunities for sustainable development.”
The NGML chief added that these efforts are positioning Nigeria not only as a regional natural gas powerhouse but also as a strategic leader in Africa’s pursuit of a sustainable and inclusive energy future.
The session formed part of AEW’s broader dialogue on balancing Africa’s vast hydrocarbon potential with the global push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
“Natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s energy future,” Nwokoro said. “By scaling up investments and partnerships, we can deliver the infrastructure and policies needed to transform our resources into opportunities for sustainable development.”
