As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, it is a moment of reflection not only on our political journey but also on the state of our economy, our industries, and the untapped resources that hold the key to true independence. One of such resources is natural gas, an endowment that many experts believe could redefine our national destiny if harnessed with vision and commitment.
Nigeria is blessed with one of the largest proven gas reserves in the world, estimated to be over 200 trillion cubic feet. For decades, however, this immense wealth had been underutilised, flared away, or exported in its raw form, while our industries and citizens continue to grapple with erratic power supply, joblessness, and a fragile economy heavily dependent on crude oil revenues.
The big question at 65 then is: Can gas truly power our economic independence?
Evidence suggests that it can. Gas is cleaner, more abundant, and more versatile than oil. It is the fuel for electricity generation, fertiliser production, petrochemicals, and even transportation.
Owing to this great importance, the late Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari launched a presidential initiative in 2021 tagged “Decade of Gas’’ to enhance the development and utilisation of natural gas in the country, underscoring its potential to transform industries, energise homes, and boost exports.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, recognising the efforts made and the importance gas, has taken bold steps to further develop the sector.
Across the country, critical gas infrastructure projects are springing to life. From the Assa North–Ohaji South Gas Processing Plant in Imo to the expansion of the Kwale facilities, and the ANOH-OB3 pipeline project, Nigeria is indeed laying the foundations to supply industries, generate power, and drive growth through gas.
Policy reforms have also followed the infrastructure development. The president signed executive orders to cut red tapeism, attract investors, and give fiscal incentives for gas development. For the first time in years, the industry sees a clearer, faster path for investment.
In all these, the most impactful stride for ordinary Nigerians is the Compressed Natural Gas CNG Initiative, which is 100 per cent sourced in the country. By rolling out conversion kits and making CNG available at lower cost, the government is easing transport burdens, cutting fuel imports, and turning gas into a people’s resource — clean, affordable, and reliable.
Even beyond domestic use, Nigeria has licensed its first floating LNG plant to capture and export gas that would otherwise be wasted through flaring. That means more revenue, more jobs, and less harm to the environment.
At 65, Nigeria knows that political freedom is not enough. True independence lies in building an economy that is powered from within. And with the policies and projects now underway, President Tinubu is charting a course where natural gas can finally light up homes, power industries, drive our transport, and strengthen our place in the global energy market.
The vision is bold. The challenge is great. But the message on this Independence Day is clear: if Nigeria’s story is to be written in gas, then the writing has already begun. However, there is a need for more investment in the sector to drive down the cost of CNG for it to be easily accessed at the grassroots.