By Obinna F. Nwachukwu
Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo, Ph.D, the Honourable Minister Of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) can best be described as a visionary leader whose commitment to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation and international cooperation transforms the Nigerian gas sector. His achievements in stabilizing the gas supply chain, addressing long standing debts, creating jobs, and driving international collaboration are nothing short of remarkable. Under his stewardship, Nigeria is poised to become a global leader in the energy market, providing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, while also creating opportunities for economic development and job creation.
As the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo has demonstrated remarkable diplomacy and international relations skills. The Nigeria-Morocco transnational gas pipeline project is a testament to his ability to navigate complex geopolitics, engage with multiple stakeholders, and craft a mutually beneficial agreement. This project is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s gas industry, providing access to new markets, fostering economic growth, and establishing Nigeria as a major player in the international gas market. The successful execution of this project would be a significant milestone in President Tinubu’s administration. His efforts have led to cleaner air and a healthier environment in the region. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s commitment to ending gas flaring in Nigeria aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s recent signing of the Paris Accord, a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By working to end gas flaring, Ekpo is addressing a pressing environmental issue and supporting the country’s broader efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Born about 60 years ago, he hails from Ikot Udom village in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He obtained all his academic degrees from the University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria including a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Ecology), a Master’s degree in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology, and, most recently, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology.
Ekpo’s career spans over three decades, with a strong foundation in education. He taught at Queen of Apostles Seminary, Abak, for over a decade, rising to the position of Head of Department (HOD) Science and Dean of Studies. His transition into public service began in 2002 and is marked by several notable positions, including: Care-taker Chairman of Ika Local Government Council (2003), Head of Council, Ika Local Government Area (2004), Member of the House of Representatives (2007-2011), representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Industry and member of other committees, including Customs Service, National Security and Intelligence, Power, and Niger Delta Affairs.
His appointment on 21st August 2023 as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marked the turning point in both his public service career and in the Nigerian gas sector. With unwavering dedication and commitment, he has pursued the task of unlocking Nigeria’s gas deposits for national growth and development, with tremendous results.
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the gas sector has witnessed increased investments by foreign and local firms, tremendous growth in Export Gas Production, and a massive rollout of CNG stations, promoting compressed natural gas as an affordable and cleaner alternative for vehicles.
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has launched the LPG Cylinder Distribution Initiative, converting homes to clean cooking gas and enhancing energy accessibility under the Decade of Gas Initiative. Furthermore, Hon. Ekpo has demonstrated a firm commitment to achieving net zero flare gas emissions by oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria, a testament to his vision for a sustainable energy future, among other achievements.
Indeed, it is heartwarming that throughout his career, Ekpo has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to public service, and a passion for community development. His dedication to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity has earned him recognition and respect from his peers and constituents.
The numbers tell the story. Nigeria’s 2P proven gas reserves rose from approximately 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 215.19 TCF as at 1 January 2026. Average production increased from about 6.86 BCF/D to approximately 7.5 BCF/D. Domestic supply has now crossed 2 BCF/D.
Our near-term target is 10 BCF/D, rising to 12 BCF/D by 2030. That growth is essential to meeting demand from power generation, industry, fertilizer and petrochemicals, LNG, transportation, and other domestic and export markets.
Nigeria LNG is also recording a strong operational recovery. At the start of thisadministration in 2023, nameplate capacity utilization stood at approximately 59 per cent.
Year-to-date in 2026, it has risen to about 87 per cent.
That momentum will be strengthened by Train 7, now under construction and targeted for completion in June 2027. The project will add approximately 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the existing 22 MTPA capacity—taking total production capacity to about 30 MTPA.
This expansion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s gas-processing capability, increase export potential, support domestic LPG supply and reinforce our position in the global LNG market. According to the minister, “our governing principle is clear: from gas to prosperity. Nigeria will pursue a responsible and realistic energy transition—one that reduces emissions, improves efficiency, safeguards energy access and prevents the entrenchment of energy poverty. The Decade of Gas initiative is the framework for this transformation: he stated
On gas-to-power, the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved approximately ₦185 billion in validated legacy debt payments owed to upstream gas producers. This is not merely about settling debt. It is about restoring commercial discipline, improving supply reliability and rebuilding investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the OB3 Pipeline is 100 percent complete. Pre-commissioning has been concluded in preparation for first gas, following completion of the technically demanding River Niger crossing. The pipeline can carry 2 BCF/D and is expected to unlock more than 500 MMscf/D of incremental domestic supply. The AKK Pipeline is also approximately 95 per cent complete. Through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, ₦671 billion in public funds has attracted approximately ₦1.6 trillion in private investment. That funding covers 31 projects and 205 infrastructure assets that could deliver about 475 MMscf/D to the domestic market when fully operational. Across the sector, our broader target remains approximately US$30 billion in gas investment by 2030. In transportation, CNG conversions have risen from approximately 11,000 vehicles in 2023 to more than 120,000 today. Our target is at least one million CNG-powered vehicles and up to 1,000 refueling stations nationwide.
For Nigerian households, LPG access and cleaner cooking are clear policy priorities. Our immediate ambition remains to reach 5 million households by 2030, and distribution of 27,000 free LPG cylinders per State has begun. Recently, President Tinubu approved the extension of the National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme to 2060, creating a long-term pathway to reach more than 10 million households and sustain nationwide adoption.
On gas flaring, 42 companies have been awarded contracts to convert flare gas currently being wasted into energy, feedstock, LPG, CNG and power. This administration will sustain the regulatory and commercial measures required to end routine gas flaring by 2030.
Under the minister’s supervision, the ministry is also expanding processing, gathering and distributed gas infrastructure so that market development does not wait for every conventional pipeline. Our objective remains unequivocal: no stranded gas and no stranded demand.
Also under his watch as minister, Nigeria made history as Dr Philip Mshelbila, assumed office on 1 January 2026 as the fifth Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, the first Nigerian ever to achieve that feat while the Minister was elected as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting and Chairman of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) Committee of Ministers 2026. Nigeria has also been accepted as an Association Country of the International Energy Agency (IEA), deepening the country’s participation in global energy dialogue and cooperation, and improving access to technology support, funding and investors.