Federal Government partners UK to reform gas regulations, boost investor confidence and infrastructure
By Nworie Peace on April 21, 2025
The Federal Government is collaborating with the United Kingdom’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to strengthen Nigeria’s gas regulatory framework, in a move expected to boost investor confidence and expand infrastructure across the country.
The partnership was formalized during a high-level meeting in London involving the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, officials of Ofgem, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
According to a statement from the Minister’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah, the collaboration is geared toward enhancing regulatory innovation, improving domestic gas utilisation, and promoting projects like gas-to-power, pipeline development, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) networks—all crucial for SME growth and industrial expansion.
Minister Ekpo emphasized the importance of Nigeria-UK partnerships in unlocking targeted investments that can improve gas delivery and energy access for local businesses.
He also noted the country’s push toward renewable gases and emissions reduction, seeking Ofgem’s guidance on integrating cleaner energy sources like hydrogen into Nigeria’s mix.
NMDPRA CEO, Farouk Ahmed, described the partnership as timely, pointing out its role in developing a transparent, investor-friendly regulatory environment that could benefit SMEs engaged in energy-related sectors.
The Ministry and NMDPRA reaffirmed their commitment to working with global institutions like Ofgem to align Nigeria’s gas sector with sustainability goals and economic growth strategies.
