Former Power Minister, Prof. Bart Nnaji has said that until Nigeria fulfilled investment commitments in gas infrastructure that would sustain adequate gas supply to thermal power stations, the growth of the power sector would continue to experience generation shortfall.
Nnaji, said in the next two decades power generation in the country would be dominated by gas fired plants.
He attributed Nigeria’s persistent gas shortage to inadequate investment in gas infrastructure and called for more support from both government and the private sector.
He spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 2025 Oriental News Conference, themed, ‘Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potential into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives’.
Nnaji, who chaired the event, addressed stakeholders from across the oil and gas value chain, including key government officials.
He said the country’s gas sector remained underdeveloped due to insufficient investment in extraction, transmission, and transportation.
“The focus should not rest solely on government-led efforts — the private sector must also play a vital role,” the former minister said.
“What we need is for the government to act as a true enabler, offering the necessary support for infrastructure and gas harvesting. 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.”
He said Nigeria’s history of mining and exporting coal before abandoning it reflects a wider pattern of resource neglect.
Nnaji said gas-fired plants are critical to Nigeria’s power generation, emphasising the need for a reliable supply to ensure thermal plants operate effectively.
He noted that Geometric Power Ltd, which he chairs, is among the companies generating electricity 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,” he said.
Nnaji acknowledged the role of renewable energy in rural electrification but maintained that Nigeria’s baseload power must continue to come from gas or hydro sources.
He noted that hydro power, however, comes with limitations that require regional cooperation.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER
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