The federal government has restated its commitment to partnering genuine investors in unlocking the full potential of the country’s natural gas resource for national growth and development.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known in an address at the Americas Energy Summit and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

The minister said Thursday in a statement that Nigeria was open for business and willing to partner foreign investors and countries with requisite technologies and experience in developing the country’s hydrogen resource.

“We extend an invitation to international partners, stakeholders and investors to collaborate with us in unlocking the full potential of our natural gas resources.

“Recognising the importance of innovation and diversification in the energy sector, Nigeria actively explores opportunities in hydrogen production and deployment,” Mr Ekpo said.

He acknowledged hydrogen’s transformative potential in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable energy future.

“The Nigerian government is actively setting up the framework for a sustainable energy future. In this pursuit, we are seeking collaborations with countries that have developed expertise and capacity in hydrogen technologies.

“We believe that international partnerships are essential in fostering knowledge exchange and leveraging collective capabilities for the advancement of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy solution,” he added.

According to him, international collaboration has become paramount as the world confronts the challenges of climate change.

He explained that Nigeria was steadfast in its commitment to working closely with global partners to exchange knowledge, share best practices and collectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic energy landscape.

Mr Ekpo said Nigeria had emerged as a key player in the global energy landscape, particularly in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector.

The minister said the government declared 2021 to 2030 as the ‘Decade of Gas’ in Nigeria, an initiative that underscored a commitment to leveraging gas as a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to mitigating the impact of climate change while meeting growing energy demands.

“As the fifth largest exporter of LNG, our nation plays a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of nations worldwide. The sustained growth of the LNG sector in Nigeria reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible energy production and supply,” he said.

(NAN)