The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), on Wednesday in Abuja identified gas as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
The Director-General of ACCI, Dr Victoria Akai, said this at a news conference to herald the Domestic Gas Summit scheduled for March 29 and March 30 in Abuja.
The summit initiated by the Energy Trade Group of the ACCI is with the theme “Building a Sustainable Gas Economy”.
Akai said that speedy development of Nigeria’s gas resources and infrastructure was essential in view of the negative effects of the current war in Ukraine.
She said: “The current conflict in Europe has precipitated an energy crisis which is clearly a lesson for us to ensure a speedy development of our gas resources and infrastructure’’.
Akai, however, commended the Federal Government for crafting a gas agenda which had become the Nigerian response to the energy transition question.
While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari, she said the gas commercialisation agenda, auto-gas initiatives and other policy responses provided much needed answers for Nigeria’s need for energy transition.
“The movement for energy transition is considered to be a global ideal.
“Within the context of save the planet movement, countries in Africa are working to device appropriate responses.
“Across African capitals, the debate is on as to what energy transition should mean for the peculiarities of each country.
“For Nigeria, the fossil fuel question stirs us in the face.
“Even though Nigeria is not a major contributor to global emission, the country as a responsible member of the international community has its commitment to keep.
“The carbon reduction pledge made under the Paris agreement must be complied with.
“Unlike other countries without sustainable alternatives, Nigeria has an option and that is gas, a cleaner, green energy source.
“Friends of Nigeria cannot but agree that for Nigeria, a major gas producing nation, the preferred fuel is gas.
“With that, the nation is acting within the confines of her international obligations, while at the same time, protecting her vital national interest,’’ Akai said.
On his part, the Chairman, Energy Trade Group, Mr Chinedu Mmaduako, said the summit would provide more details about investment opportunities within the value chain of the gas sub sector.
“This is while we are looking forward to acquiring knowledge about local content and the place of small and medium enterprises in the emerging gas space,’’ Mmaduako said.
