Ekpo: Why Gas-exporting Countries Must Commit to Knowledge, Technology Sharing

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, at the weekend  urged member countries of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) to commit to sharing knowledge, technology and best practices.

The minister stated this in an address at the Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GECF in Algiers, Algeria, where he proposed measures that could be adopted by member countries in achieving a green economy, according to a statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Louis Ibah.

This, he said, will help to accelerate the unlocking of new applications for natural gas in a manner that boosts economic growth without degrading the environment.

Ekpo lauded the inauguration of the GECF gas research institute headquarters in Algeria, saying it would go a long way in the provision of the requisite funds for upstream and midstream gas development.

He said that Nigeria with one of the largest gas reserves in the world, has been at the forefront of harnessing the resource, not just for national development, but also as a key contributor to the global energy mix.

The minister, however informed the audience of Nigeria’s commitment to the exploitation of its natural gas resources in a manner that is both beneficial to its people and conducive to global efforts to create a more sustainable and cleaner energy landscape.

According to Ekpo, the  path to achieving a green economy with natural gas was fraught with lots of challenges and for which GECF must be ready to confront.

He said: “Market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and the global imperative to decarbonise energy production and consumption necessitate not just national, but international solidarity and strategic collaboration among gas-exporting countries.”

To this end, Ekpo proposed the following  for the  consideration of member countries: Strengthening collaboration among GECF members, innovation and technology sharing as well as engagement and advocacy.

“The future of gas lies in our ability to innovate. By embracing technology, we can reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and unlock new applications for natural gas in the green economy.

“I urge all GECF members to commit to sharing knowledge, technology, and best practices to accelerate our progress towards these objectives.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to not just our national interests, but to the collective wellbeing of our global community. The path ahead is complex, but through collaboration, innovation, and shared vision, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie before us,” he added.