In a renewed push to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s gas sector, the Federal Government has called on industry stakeholders to intensify efforts toward advancing the country’s gas revolution, underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global energy transition.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this call during the official signing ceremony between the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) and ten equity partners. The event took place on Thursday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.
Ekpo, who also serves as Chairman of the MDGIF, emphasized that the event was not only a strategic alignment with national development goals but also a concrete demonstration of the government’s resolve to promote economic growth, bolster energy security, and build a resilient, future-ready economy.
He noted that in the past two years, the current administration has systematically advanced the gas initiative across all six geo-political zones of the country to ensure equitable access to Nigeria’s abundant gas resources. Within its first year, the MDGIF supported six companies operating within the midstream and downstream segments, and in its second year, ten additional companies have been empowered—promoting innovation, operational efficiency, and wider gas utilization across sectors.
Calling on the newly engaged partners to deliver projects promptly and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability, Ekpo reiterated that it would no longer be business as usual. He stressed that the MDGIF was designed to attract investments and close critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s gas value chain, adding that President Tinubu’s declaration of the “Decade of Gas” was not just a policy direction but a national call to action.
“Today’s event is a resounding affirmation of the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, towards unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s gas sector,” Ekpo said while reading from a prepared statement.
“This signing ceremony reflects not only the alignment of national priorities with practical action but also the profound dedication to fostering growth, enhancing energy security, and building a resilient economy for generations to come.”
Ekpo added that the MDGIF has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s energy landscape through strategic partnerships and robust investment frameworks. He highlighted that the declaration of the “Decade of Gas” signifies an ambitious vision to leverage the country’s gas endowment to drive industrial expansion, energy security, and sustainable development.
“With the onboarding of these ten additional equity partners, we are injecting this vehicle with the fuel it needs—confidence, capital, and strategic collaboration. Let me use this opportunity to congratulate each of the ten equity partners on this achievement. Your selection reflects not only your technical and financial capabilities but also your alignment with our national priorities.”
He charged all partners to ensure swift and quality delivery of the endorsed projects, emphasizing that Nigerians are watching and expecting tangible outcomes.
“The future of Nigeria’s gas economy, and the success of this Fund, will be judged not by the documents we sign, but by the results we deliver: pipelines laid, facilities commissioned, jobs created, and energy supplied to millions. Let this be our collective measure of success.”
Ekpo further remarked that the projects being embarked upon are not abstract ideas but represent the foundation of a transformative era in Nigeria’s energy narrative. He said effective execution and measurable results would serve as the best reflection of the government’s ambition.
“This Fund, and the partnerships it fosters, will pave the way for integrated gas infrastructure, bridging gaps that have long hindered progress. These advancements will not only connect regions but also trigger a ripple effect of opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, and digital innovation.”
He described the initiative as a national imperative and called on stakeholders to commit to making Nigeria a beacon of sustainable energy advancement.
“As this initiative progresses, it will inevitably encounter challenges. But it is through perseverance and a shared commitment to excellence that we can turn obstacles into stepping stones. Through collaboration with our equity partners, we can achieve what was once deemed unattainable—making Nigeria a beacon of sustainable energy transformation. Hence, from gas to prosperity.”
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the MDGIF, Mr. Oluwole Adama, expressed optimism that the projects would deliver substantial economic benefits to the nation.
Adama praised President Tinubu for his leadership, foresight, and reforms that have propelled the MDGIF to its current level, citing major policy achievements such as the liberalization of the refined fuels market, the surge in local refining capacity, accelerated monetization of natural gas, improved energy security, deeper penetration of compressed natural gas (CNG), and increased investor confidence.
He listed the newly approved portfolio of projects to include six gas processing plants designed to produce marketable natural gas in liquefied and other forms, thereby boosting in-country gas supply. Notably, two of these facilities will utilize flare gas, contributing to reduced environmental pollution.
The portfolio also includes three compressed natural gas refueling stations to enhance domestic gas utilization for transport and industrial purposes, as well as one bulk liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage infrastructure aimed at reducing supply chain bottlenecks.
“These projects align with MDGIF’s core objectives of boosting domestic consumption of natural gas, stimulating investments in midstream and downstream gas infrastructure, and minimizing gas flaring through effective monetization,” Adama stated.
He outlined the benefits expected from the partnerships, including improved access to development capital, shared resources, risk reduction, better market positioning, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
To ensure secure and effective collaboration, Adama revealed that three agreements will be signed between the MDGIF and each of the equity partners: the Joint Venture and Operating Agreement (JVOA), the Joint Venture Equity Agreement (JVEA), and the Joint Venture Accounts Agreement (JVAA).
He explained that the JVOA provides an operational blueprint aimed at minimizing risk and maximizing project success, while the JVEA ensures equitable profit sharing, governance, and capital contributions. The JVAA, he said, focuses on financial transparency and oversight.
“This event goes beyond the mere act of signing documents. It establishes our commitment, fosters trust, and sets a positive tone for ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders. Transparency and mutual respect remain core values of the MDGIF,” Adama concluded.
