The 2nd edition of the Domestic Gas and Gas Infrastructure Summit returned to the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry from October 24 to October 25, 2023, as a viable energy and gas generation and infrastructure event held in partnership with Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Nigeria Gas Association, and other reputable industry private companies.
Organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with strategic collaboration with the Association of Local Distribution of Gas (ALDG) and the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), the event had the theme “Building a Sustainable, Resilient Gas and Renewable Energy Sector in Nigeria and Beyond,” and drew participants from the MDAs, Lawmakers, Investors, Start-ups, Research and Academic Institutions, Professional Bodies, Private communities including Industry Practitioners, Policy Makers, business sectors and Principal Partners in Gas Industry, in a bid to have a conversation around Gas and Gas Infrastructure.
Presenting keynote addresses, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the Minister of State, Gas, Hon. H.E. Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the importance of gas in the Nigerian economy for electricity generation and national development. Despite having one of the world’s largest gas reserves, Nigeria struggles to deliver enough gas to the domestic market due to growing demand. They suggested that Nigeria needs additional gas, generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to meet its electricity demands. They emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to policy formulation and implementation to improve energy security and reduce energy poverty.
A key highlight of the event was the GCEO’s participation; Engr. (Dr.) Emeka Okwuosa CON, represented by Engr. Chuka Eze, Managing Director, Frazimex Engineering Limited, in a panel session on the theme: The Implementation and Impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 on the Gas Sector to Bridge the Gas Infrastructure Gap, delivered by Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, the President of the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) and moderated by Uche Val Obi, SAN, FCIArb.
Engr. Chuka Eze began by emphasizing that the gas infrastructure deficit in Nigeria is a significant issue, with only 2,000 kilometers of pipeline gas infrastructure in place and a need for 5,000 kilometers to meet the growing population and energy demand. He highlighted that Oilserv Limited has contributed significantly to building this gas infrastructure in Nigeria. Talking about the OB3 pipeline that is taking gas from Obiafu in Rivers State to Oben, we constructed segment A of that pipeline, which is about 64 kilometers. It’s been energized and commissioned, waiting for the other segment to be completed so that the segment can be completed. We are currently building the AKK-Ajaokuta-Kano-Kaduna, Segment 1.
By the time it is finished, it will help bridge the gap in infrastructure that we have in Nigeria in areas of the transmission system. On the distribution system, working together with Axella and Oando in the past, 65 percent of the gas distribution network in Lagos was constructed and built by Oilserv and we are beginning to see the enormous benefits of having these infrastructures in place. It generates revenue, it creates employment, it provides the needed energy for the manufacturers to power their systems and make us a manufacturing nation, and it provides the required energy that we need to elevate and stimulate the economy.
Engr. Chuka noted that funding is a key issue in bridging the infrastructure gap, and the PIA has provided provisions for gas infrastructure funds to make these infrastructures visible and available. By tapping into these funds, Nigeria can bridge the gap and ensure the country’s energy needs are met. The gas master plan aims to encourage third-party access to existing pipelines, but funding remains a challenge.
He, however, concluded by tasking the upstream players to invest in extracting or exploring the huge reserves of gas, which are estimated at $209 trillion. The gas master plan has provisions for a gas network code, allowing third-party access to existing pipelines. Encouraging these regulations can help rapidly expand infrastructure across the nation and utilize existing infrastructure..
Oilserv, a founding member of ALDG and NGA, sponsored the summit in the diamond category. The sponsorship category’s characteristics were fully exploited. Oilserv was the star of the show, as the attendees were impressed by our commitment to excellence and innovation, as showcased through our cutting-edge technology demonstrations and informative brand visuals. This prominent presence at the summit allowed us to forge valuable connections with industry leaders and potential clients, further solidifying our position as the go-to EPCIC company in Africa.
The exhibition section of the conference was excellent; the team’s expertise and enthusiasm, led by Engr. Cheta Okwuosa, showcased our innovative solutions and left a lasting impression on attendees, generating buzz and excitement about our capabilities. This successful exhibition not only strengthened our relationships with existing clients but also attracted new prospects, positioning us as a trusted partner in the energy industry.
