At the 2026 Energy Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) in Lagos, the [Federal Government](https://www.nigeria.gov.ng), the [Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)](https://www.ncdmb.gov.ng) and key industry players urged broader access to oil and gas assets, financing, infrastructure and technology to enhance indigenous participation and fully exploit Nigeria’s energy potential.
The participants highlighted four main barriers that limit local firms from acquiring and developing petroleum assets: high entry costs, limited funding options, insufficient infrastructure and protracted approval procedures.
Nigeria’s proven gas reserves are estimated at about 215 trillion cubic feet, a volume that would generate little economic benefit unless it can be transformed into electricity, industrial feedstock, jobs, revenue and export earnings.
The [Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo](https://petroleumresources.gov.ng), speaking through his Senior Technical Adviser Engineer Abel Nsa, explained that the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative is designed to turn these reserves into power generation, industrialisation, transportation, manufacturing and fertiliser production.
Ekpo identified gas‑to‑power, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrochemicals as priority investment avenues that can create jobs and stimulate growth.
To close the infrastructure gap, the government is fast‑tracking the Ajaokuta‑Kaduna‑Kano (AKK) and OB3 gas pipelines, which will link supply hubs to major demand centres across the country.
“Infrastructure is the bridge between our resources and the industries, power plants, businesses and households that need them,” he said.
He added that reforms introduced by the [Petroleum Industry Act 2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_Industry_Act_(Nigeria)), together with targeted fiscal and regulatory incentives, are intended to improve the investment climate and make gas projects more commercially viable.
Ekpo called for tighter cooperation among regulators, banks, development partners and private investors to move projects from concept to final investment decision and production.
He also urged greater involvement of indigenous operators, independent producers, infrastructure developers and technology providers, stressing that the benefits of the country’s gas resources should not be confined to a handful of large players.
The board’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, representing the NCDMB, said the conference theme – “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth” – aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
The Nigerian Content 10‑Year Strategic Roadmap, launched in 2017, targets a 70 % local‑content share by 2027; participation has risen from 5 % in 2010 to 61 % today, but further gains depend on strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of indigenous firms.
Ezeobi disclosed that more than 130 local companies have drawn over $400 million from the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, which is administered by the Bank of Industry and NEXIM Bank.
Additional programmes such as Project 100, the Nigerian Content Equipment Certification (NCEC), the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) and various vendor‑development initiatives provide financing, capacity‑building, equipment development and market access for Nigerian businesses.
NAEC Chairman Ugo Amadi reiterated that high entry costs, funding difficulties and lengthy approvals remain the chief obstacles for indigenous firms seeking asset ownership and development, and urged reforms that would open more opportunities for local participation.
The President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, advocated for consolidation and deeper collaboration among indigenous oilfield service companies, arguing that pooled expertise and resources would enable them to undertake larger, more complex projects.
Conference Chairman and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Enterprise Group, Mr. Kola Adesina, through Head of Corporate Communications Bethel Obioma, emphasized that true access goes beyond physical assets to include capital, technology, partnerships and markets, noting that ideas and mentorship are crucial for building competitive enterprises.