Nigeria is preparing to welcome a gathering of global gas industry leaders and investors this October, as the country pushes forward with efforts to expand its natural gas sector. The 2025 Gas Investment Forum, set to take place over two days in Lagos, aims to spark new partnerships and strategies for tapping into Nigeria’s vast gas resources.
This event comes at a time when the nation is focusing on using its energy assets to fuel economic growth and address regional needs.
Leading the forum will be Olu Verheijen, who serves as Special Adviser on Energy to President Bola Tinubu. She is slated to deliver the keynote speech and act as the chief host, highlighting the government’s commitment to the initiative. Event director Osaze Isesele announced the details in a recent statement from Abuja, emphasizing how the forum has evolved into a key venue for discussing ways to attract funding into Nigeria’s gas industry.
The lineup of speakers includes prominent figures from both local and international circles. Among them are Ed Ubong, the coordinating director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat; NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber; Akachukwu Nwokedi, president of the Nigeria Gas Association; and Wole Ogunsanya, chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria.
On the global side, Andrea Stegher, president of the International Gas Union, will join the discussions. Other notable participants include David Oluseyi Ige, a non-executive director at NNPC Ltd and CEO of GasInvest Ltd; Abiodun Ogunjobi, group chief technical officer at Panocean Newcross Group; Eyono Fatayi-Williams, president of the Women in Energy Network; Damilola Owolabi-Osinusi, CEO of Selai Gas Station Ltd; and Oga Adejo-Ogiri, executive secretary of the Association of Local Distributors of Gas.
Under the theme “Charting New Opportunities for Investment, Growth & Industrialisation,” the forum will bring together government representatives, policymakers, investors, and energy professionals. The goal is to foster in-depth conversations about monetizing Nigeria’s gas reserves, which could drive industrial development and strengthen energy security not just in Nigeria but across West Africa.
For instance, regions like Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni in southern Nigeria are home to substantial gas deposits, adding to the country’s overall potential and underscoring the need for targeted investments in exploration and infrastructure.
Isesele described the event as a vital bridge between public policy and private enterprise. “It provides an unparalleled platform for collaboration,” he said, noting that it’s where fresh investment ideas emerge, alliances form, and innovative approaches are highlighted to support Nigeria’s Decade of Gas policy.
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The forum, now in its third year, has gained endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and is co-hosted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, ensuring alignment between official strategies and industry actions.
Beyond the main talks, attendees can look forward to a trade exhibition. This will allow companies from around the world to display cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and projects ready for investment. Organizers say this setup will help advance West Africa’s goals of using natural gas for long-term development, smoother energy transitions, and better connections between countries in the region.
Looking ahead, the forum highlights optimistic projections for Africa’s gas sector. Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, is expected to drive about 92 percent of the continent’s natural gas demand increase by 2050. Nigeria itself could see an addition of more than 75 billion cubic meters of gas production from 2023 to 2050.
This growth is likely to come from expanded power generation using gas, rising industrial activities, and the buildup of petrochemical and fertilizer plants. Such developments could help tackle energy shortages and support broader economic progress.
Events like this forum reflect Nigeria’s determination to position itself as a leading player in the global gas market. By drawing in international expertise and capital, the country hopes to unlock the full value of its resources, creating jobs and boosting infrastructure along the way. As preparations continue, stakeholders are optimistic that the discussions in Lagos will lead to concrete steps toward a more robust and sustainable energy future for the region.
