Nigeria is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming World Gas Conference (WGC) 2025 in Beijing, China, with a high-powered delegation led by Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (gas).
The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) confirmed the government and industry representation, highlighting the nation’s commitment to positioning gas as a cornerstone of its economic future and a key player in the global energy transition.
The triennial WGC, recognised as the largest global gathering of gas experts and policymakers, will see Minister Ekpo not only lead the Nigerian contingent but also participate as a distinguished speaker, sharing insights on Nigeria’s gas potential and its role in the evolving energy landscape.
Accompanying the minister are key figures from Nigeria’s energy sector, including Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of NNPC; Felix Ogbe, executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Ed Ubong, coordinating director of the Decade of Gas (DoG) initiative; and Akachukwu Nwokedi, the NGA President.
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The NGA’s initiative has garnered robust support from leading gas industry players operating in Nigeria. Companies such as NLNG, Shell Nigeria, First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, Axxela Limited, ND Western, Aradel PLC, Aiteo, Tetracore, Xenergi, Peiyang Chemical Engineering Service Corporation (PCCS), ENTEC Power, Neconde Energy Limited, Shoreline, and Oando, alongside the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC Ltd, are backing Nigeria’s participation.
These industry leaders will converge at the dedicated Nigerian Pavilion within the WGC 2025 venue. This platform, spearheaded by the NGA and the Decade of Gas Secretariat, will serve as a showcase for Nigeria’s extensive gas reserves, present attractive investment opportunities, and highlight advancements in the nation’s gas policies. Their backing signifies a shared commitment to shaping the global energy narrative and solidifying Nigeria’s position within it.
Speaking on the significance of this unified representation, Nwokedi emphasised the strategic alignment between government and industry. “What we’re witnessing is a strategic convergence—government and industry rallying behind one mission, which is to elevate Nigeria’s energy narrative and position the country as a reliable, future-facing energy partner,” Nwokedi stated.
“WGC 2025 is more than an event; it’s a statement of Africa’s energy renaissance. The Honourable Minister’s participation alongside his Delegation sends a clear message, reflecting that Nigeria is not just open for gas investment; we are leading the charge for Africa’s energy transformation.”
The World Gas Conference 2025, themed “Energising a Sustainable Future,” will take place from May 19 to 23 at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing. The event is expected to draw over 30,000 participants, 600 companies, and 400 expert speakers, providing a crucial platform for dialogue on the future trajectory of the global gas industry.
This aligns perfectly with the NGA’s long-term vision of establishing natural gas as the primary fuel for Nigeria’s economic advancement and its contribution to the global energy transition.
Ekpo, commenting on his role in leading the delegation, expressed his honour and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment.
“As we pursue the goals of the Decade of Gas, this conference provides a vital platform to showcase Nigeria’s vast gas potential, deepen international partnerships, and attract critical investments that will drive sustainable growth and enhance energy security for our nation and continent,” he said.
