LONDON/ABUJA, April 21 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigeria has intensified efforts to reform its gas sector through a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), aiming to boost regulatory efficiency, investor confidence, and sustainability in the energy industry.

The milestone agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in London between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, officials from Ofgem, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to a statement by the Minister’s spokesperson, Mr. Louis Ibah, the collaboration will focus on regulatory innovation, capacity development, infrastructure expansion, and the integration of cleaner energy sources into Nigeria’s gas value chain.

Key areas of cooperation include domestic gas utilization, regional energy integration, gas-to-power projects, and the development of pipelines and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) networks. The federal government is also drawing on Ofgem’s expertise in consumer protection and attracting investor confidence.

Minister Ekpo emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s gas infrastructure. “By fostering partnerships between Nigerian entities and UK-based firms, we can attract investments that will bolster our gas infrastructure, ensuring efficient delivery and utilization,” he said.

He further stated Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in reducing methane emissions and supporting the integration of renewable gases such as hydrogen into the nation’s energy mix.

Echoing similar sentiments, NMDPRA Chief Executive Mr. Farouk Ahmed described the engagement with Ofgem as “timely” and essential for building a transparent, resilient, and investor-friendly regulatory framework. He credited Osprey Investments for facilitating the connection between both nations.

Both the Ministry and NMDPRA reaffirmed their commitment to long-term collaboration with Ofgem to align Nigeria’s gas sector with global best practices in energy transition and economic development.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.