Experts call for growth of gas sub-sector

The Nigeria Gas Association has called on the Federal Government to harness the potentials in the nation’s gas sector to attract both foreign and local investments.
NGA President, Mr. Thomas Dada, said government must put in place strong regulatory frame work that would ensure that things were done safely and properly in the sector. He also urged government and policy makers to change their standard and ensure that they support the sustainability and economic viability of the upstream gas sector.
He said, “As a nation, we have to ensure that we do everything possible to develop the gas
sector. “The government and regulatory agencies should ensure that the sector is viable for every stakeholder, from the beginning of the value chains to the end; from the producers to the electricity consumers,” he said.
Instead of exporting crude oil, another gas expert, Dr. Yomi Oduntan, urged the Federal Government to concentrate on exporting refined petroleum products, which have more
value and give more money to the country.
He stated, “Instead of exporting our raw gas, we should turn it to fertilizer and liquefied petroleum gas, so that people could have affordable cooking source. “We should turn our gas into plastic and petrochemicals, because this is the time to convert gas into value added commodities that should rather be exported.”
He added that such development will generate employment for millions of young Nigerians, who are presently unemployed. According to him, the country has to invest in producing gas for domestic consumption and ensure the fiscal terms and incentives are favourable, before the sector can attract lot more investments.