The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has confirmed that Nigeria’s presence at the World Gas Conference (WGC) 2025 will be headlined by strong government and energy industry leaders. Leading the Nigerian delegation to the triennial event, which hosts the world’s largest gathering of gas experts and policymakers, is the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), H.E. Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, PhD. He will also join global energy thought leaders as a distinguished speaker at this significant event.
Accompanying the Minister are several key figures in the Nigerian energy sector, including Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd; Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas (DoG); and Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, the NGA President. This high-powered delegation is poised to enhance Nigeria's standing in the international energy conversation and reinforce the role of gas in the country's economic future as a critical player in the global energy transition.
Prominent gas industry players backing the NGA-led participation include 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. These companies, along with support from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC Ltd, will converge at the Nigerian Pavilion, a dedicated platform through which the NGA and the Decade of Gas Secretariat will showcase the country’s vast gas resources and promote investment opportunities and policy advancements at WGC 2025.
Akachukwu Nwokedi, the NGA President, emphasized the significance of this representation, stating, "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. WGC 2025 is more than an event; it’s a statement of Africa’s energy renaissance."
The WGC 2025 will take place from May 19 to 23, 2025, at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing, bringing together over 30,000 participants, 600 companies, and 400 expert speakers to discuss the future of the gas industry. The theme for this year’s conference is “Energising a Sustainable Future,” aligning with NGA’s mission to promote natural gas as the fuel of choice for Nigeria’s economic transformation and global energy transition.
In addressing the importance of the conference, Ekperikpe Ekpo remarked, "It is a great honour to lead the Nigerian delegation to the World Gas Conference in Beijing. 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 asserted that Nigeria is committed to positioning itself as a leader in the gas evolution across Africa and beyond.
Nwokedi further highlighted the defining moment for Nigeria’s gas industry, stating, "WGC 2025 provides the perfect stage to tell our story. With the backing of these industry leaders, we reinforce their market leadership in the energy landscape. The Nigerian Pavilion is more than an exhibition space—it’s a bold statement that Nigeria is ready to drive global energy transformation."
Moreover, the conference will feature the highly anticipated Nigerian Day, which will celebrate the nation’s energy achievements, cultural heritage, and economic vision. This special day will serve as a hub for networking, business matchmaking, and policy dialogue, creating a unique platform for stakeholders to engage with investors, decision-makers, and thought leaders.
Through strategic partnerships, the NGA, alongside the Decade of Gas Secretariat, aims to position Nigeria as a prime destination for gas investments. Nwokedi urged more corporations in the gas sector to join this historic endeavor, stating, "The future of energy is being shaped today, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind."
As the countdown to WGC 2025 begins, the Nigerian delegation is not only preparing to showcase the potential of its gas resources but also to solidify Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global energy market. The event is expected to foster discussions that will shape the future of the gas industry, emphasizing the importance of natural gas in achieving sustainable energy goals.
In conclusion, the World Gas Conference 2025 stands as a pivotal event for Nigeria, marking an opportunity to elevate its energy narrative on the world stage. The collaboration between government and industry leaders signals a commitment to driving the nation’s energy transformation and securing its place in the global energy landscape.