Tapping into Gas Riches: Nigeria Prepares to Host Major Global Investors’ Forum

In a major move to attract global attention and capital, Nigeria is set to host a high-profile international summit designed to draw major investors into its vast, untapped natural gas sector. The event, which is part of the annual Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES), will take place in Abuja, and its success is seen as a key step towards transforming Nigeria into a gas-based economy.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), is orchestrating the event, which is scheduled for February 2026. The forum’s main goal is to bring together the world’s most influential investors, energy ministers, and policymakers to showcase Nigeria’s immense gas potential. The country holds the largest proven gas reserves in Africa and ranks among the top ten globally.

This gathering is particularly significant as it aims to capitalize on recent policy reforms, notably the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The government hopes the PIA will serve as a strong incentive for foreign companies, providing a clearer and more predictable legal framework for investment. Nigerian officials, including key figures from the state-owned NNPC Limited, will use the platform to push for partnerships and secure funding for critical gas infrastructure projects. This includes everything from gas pipelines to processing plants and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, which are essential for both domestic energy needs and for boosting export revenues.

For years, Nigeria’s economy has been almost entirely dependent on crude oil, with its abundant gas reserves remaining largely undeveloped. With the world shifting towards cleaner energy sources, this forum is a timely and crucial strategy to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio. The hope is that by attracting major international players, Nigeria can accelerate the development of its gas sector, which would in turn create new jobs, increase government revenue, and provide a more reliable source of power for its citizens.

The hosting of this international forum is a clear statement of intent. The government is not just talking about its gas potential; it is actively seeking to turn that potential into reality, signaling a new era for Nigeria’s energy sector.