News Investigators/ Barth Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power Ltd., has urged greater investment in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure to boost revenue and increase domestic gas utilisation.
He made the appeal on Thursday during his keynote address at the 2025 Oriental News Conference held in Lagos.
The conference, with the theme ‘Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potential into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives’, attracted stakeholders from across the oil and gas value chain, including key government officials.
Prof. Nnaji, who also chaired the event, said Nigeria’s gas sector suffers from underdevelopment due to low investment in extraction, transmission, and transportation infrastructure.
“We don’t have enough gas in Nigeria simply because we’re not investing adequately in it,” he stated.
He added: “The focus should not rest solely on government-led efforts — the private sector must also play a vital role.
“What we need is for the government to act as a true enabler, offering the necessary support for infrastructure and gas harvesting.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s huge gas potential, he said: “It’s baffling that with over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, we still face local shortages.
“We’re unable to produce sufficient quantities to support operations across the country.
“Though operations improved this year, they weren’t previously at full capacity. A seventh train is underway, but we need more gas.”
Prof. Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, also expressed concern over Nigeria’s neglect of resources like coal.
“At one point, Nigeria mined and exported coal. We later abandoned it — reflecting a broader trend of resource neglect,” he noted.
On electricity, he emphasised gas-fired plants as essential for Nigeria’s current and future power needs.
He said Geometric Power is among the firms generating electricity in Nigeria through thermal sources.
“For effective supply from thermal plants, an adequate and reliable gas supply is vital.
“While we have hydro power, gas-fired plants remain dominant and will likely stay that way for the next ten to twenty years,” Nnaji said.
He acknowledged the role of renewables in rural electrification but insisted base load power must come from gas or hydro sources.
“Hydro also faces limitations in Nigeria. It often requires cross-border cooperation with countries in Northern Africa,” he explained.Yemisi Izuora, Publisher of Oriental News Nigeria Online, said the conference provides a platform for dialogue among industry players, policymakers, and investors.
“Our editorial team crafts each year’s theme to reflect national development priorities.
“We also create the right atmosphere and carefully select resource persons to encourage impactful discussion,” she said.
Mrs Izuora noted the challenges in hosting such events, including funding, theme development, and securing key participants.
“Having hosted three previous editions, we’re proud to introduce awards for impactful energy sector investments this year,” she said.
She also spoke about the publication’s efforts to promote women’s development in all sectors.
“As a MediaPreneur leading a passionate team, I’m committed to supporting the inclusion of women across Nigeria.
“We strive to invite female leaders to speak and inspire others through their stories and achievements,” Izuora aaid.
She urged men to value women’s contributions, saying they balance work, home, and family responsibilities with remarkable strength.
NAN
