Nnaji urges greater investment in gas infrastructure
By Yunus Yusuf
Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power Ltd., has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure to boost revenue generation and enhance domestic gas consumption.
Nnaji made the call on Thursday during his keynote address at the 2025 Oriental News Conference held in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potential into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives”, brought together stakeholders from across the oil and gas value chain, as well as key government representatives, to discuss pressing industry issues.
Nnaji, who also chaired the event, said Nigeria’s gas sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient investment — not just in gas extraction (the molecule), but also in transmission and transportation infrastructure.
“We don’t have enough gas in Nigeria simply because we’re not investing adequately in it,” he said.
“We have the capacity. The focus should not only be on government-led efforts — the private sector can play a significant role.
” What we need is for the government to be a true enabler, providing the support required for infrastructure development and gas harvesting.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast resources, Nnaji noted: “It’s perplexing that Nigeria has over 210 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves, yet we lack enough to meet domestic needs.
” We’re unable to produce adequately to support operations across the country.
He referenced Nigeria LNG’s current production status, noting: “Yes, they are more comfortable this year, but the last I checked, they weren’t operating at full capacity. And now, they’re building a seventh train — but we need more gas to sustain such growth.”
Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, lamented the country’s underutilisation of other natural resources such as coal. “At one point, Nigeria had the opportunity to mine, use, and even export coal.
” But we stopped. This reflects a broader trend of neglecting available resources.”
Speaking on electricity generation, he emphasised the crucial role of gas-fired plants. “Geometric Power is one of the power-generating companies in Nigeria.
He said the company supply electricity effectively, especially from thermal power plants, there must be adequate gas supply.
“Though Nigeria has hydro power, gas-fired plants remain the dominant source of electricity and will continue to be so for at least the next decade or two,” he said.
Nnaji added that while renewable energy is viable, especially in rural areas, base load power — the kind that runs 24/7 — must come from hydro or gas-fired sources.
“And even hydro has its limitations in Nigeria. It also requires cross-border collaboration with neighboring countries in northern Africa.”
In her remarks, Mrs Yemisi Izuora, Publisher of Oriental News Nigeria Online, said the annual conference was created to provide a platform for dialogue among industry stakeholders, government agencies, and investors to develop sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
“Each year, our editorial team crafts a theme that is relevant to national development.
“We also provide the right environment and invite well-selected resource persons to engage in meaningful discussion,” she said.
Izuora acknowledged the challenges involved in organising such conferences, including developing compelling themes, sourcing funds, and securing participation from key industry leaders.
“Having successfully hosted three past editions, we are proud to announce that this year we will recognize and award organisations with verifiable investments in the energy sector, as well as those making impactful contributions to the industry.”
She also highlighted the publication’s commitment to women’s development across all sectors.
“As a ‘MediaPreneur’ leading a small but passionate team, I remain dedicated to advocating for greater inclusion and support for women in Nigeria.
” This is why we go the extra mile to identify and invite women leaders to speak at our events,” she said.
“I urge our men to appreciate the strength of women — they manage the home, work like everyone else, and still return home to continue nurturing their families,” Izuora added.
