African leaders converge in Nigeria to harness gas for economic development

African leaders and key stakeholders in the energy sector are set to converge in Nigeria for the 23rd NOG Energy Week 2024 to have a discourse centred around harnessing natural gas for industrialisation that will foster economic development in the continent.

The event, which is scheduled for June 30 to July 4, 2024, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, will have leaders from Nigeria, Ghana and across the continent investing in gas infrastructure and promoting its utilisation, and addressing energy poverty and environmental challenges.

According to the organisers, the NOG Energy Week, themed ‘Showcasing Opportunities, Driving Investment. Meeting Energy Demand’ will explore emerging business contingencies.

Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy for Ghana, who confirmed his participation in the NOG Energy Week amplified the need for competitive financing to propel natural gas projects.

Nigeria, boasting gas reserves of 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf), has announced plans to execute a gas strategy that will trigger the nations industrialisation and economic growth.

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President for Upstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, shared the organisation’s plans to deepen domestic gas utilisation for power generation in a bid to support the manufacturing sector.

According to the organisers, to transform the energy sector in West Africa, leveraging natural gas to drive economic growth and development is key. Gas for industrialisation contributes to increasing energy transition progress across the region.

“Through the Decade of Gas Initiative by the Nigerian government, industry leaders have continually conveyed a collaborative approach aimed at unlocking the country’s energy resources.”

Speaking on what stakeholders should expect at NOG Energy Week 2024, Wemimo Oyelana, the Country Director – Nigeria & Portfolio Director – Africa for dmg events, said, “Our commitment for almost 25 years has been to provide a platform where industry leaders can have frank conversations that proffer solutions to the different challenges the industry is facing.

“NOG Energy Week has contributed significantly to key policy development & implementation over the years. We look forward to having industry stakeholders discuss pertinent issues including; Attracting International and Regional Funding Into Nigeria’s Energy Sector, Optimising the Significance of Natural Gas as the Fuel Of Choice, and Driving Industrialisation as a Catalyst for Economic Growth.”

Expected government officials and industry leaders at NOG Energy Week 2024 are; Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana, and Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, among others.