Stakeholders seek stronger gas laws to attract investment

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s gas industry have called for stronger legal and regulatory frameworks to attract investment and unlock the country’s vast gas resources, following deliberations at the inaugural Legal Forum organised by the Nigerian Gas Association.

In a statement on Wednesday, the association said the maiden forum, held on 17 April 2026, brought together legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators and industry executives to examine how clearer rules and predictable policies could accelerate growth in the sector.

In his opening address, President of the NGA, Aka Nwokedi, underscored the urgency of aligning Nigeria’s legal architecture with its strategic gas ambitions, stressing that the next phase of sectoral growth would depend on the credibility of the regulatory environment.

“Nigeria’s gas resources present a defining opportunity for economic transformation, but realising this potential will depend on building a legal framework that is transparent, predictable, and globally competitive,” he stated.

Discussions at the forum emphasised that while the Petroleum Industry Act had laid a foundation for reform, its impact would depend on effective implementation and institutional coordination. Participants highlighted the need to eliminate ambiguity in regulations and strengthen enforcement to unlock sustained investment.

The forum also reinforced natural gas as a strategic tool for balancing economic growth, energy security and emissions reduction. Stakeholders noted that regulatory frameworks must evolve to incorporate enforceable standards on carbon management, environmental, social and governance obligations, and sustainability to attract long-term capital in an increasingly competitive global market.

In addition, participants stressed that investor confidence would depend on stronger commercial and contractual structures across the gas value chain. They identified contractual clarity, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, and predictable fiscal policies as essential to de-risk investments and speed up project delivery.

The association also acknowledged the policy direction of the Bola Tinubu administration in advancing gas development through infrastructure expansion and increased domestic utilisation, noting that sustained policy stability would serve as a key signal to both local and foreign investors.

The NGA added that the inaugural Legal Forum marked a significant step towards bridging the gap between legal frameworks and industry realities, creating a structured platform for continuous engagement and forward-looking policy development aimed at driving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a gas-powered economy.