Barth Nnaji says inadequate investment behind Nigeria’s gas shortage

Barth Nnaji, former minister of power, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent gas shortage to inadequate investment in gas infrastructure and called for more support from both government and the private sector.

He spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 2025 Oriental News Conference, themed ‘Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potential into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives’.

Nnaji, who chaired the event, addressed stakeholders from across the oil and gas value chain, including key government officials.

On February 1, 2024, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said the power plants are not operating at full capacity due to unpaid debts and low gas supply.

He said the country’s gas sector remains underdeveloped due to insufficient investment in extraction, transmission, and transportation.

“The focus should not rest solely on government-led efforts — the private sector must also play a vital role,” the former minister said.

“What we need is for the government to act as a true enabler, offering the necessary support for infrastructure and gas harvesting. It’s baffling that with over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, we still face local shortages.

“We’re unable to produce sufficient quantities to support operations across the country. Though operations improved this year, they weren’t previously at full capacity. A seventh train is underway, but we need more gas.”

He said Nigeria’s history of mining and exporting coal before abandoning it reflects a wider pattern of resource neglect.

Nnaji said gas-fired plants are critical to Nigeria’s power generation, emphasising the need for a reliable supply to ensure thermal plants operate effectively.

He noted that Geometric Power Ltd, which he chairs, is among the companies generating electricity through thermal sources.

“For effective supply from thermal plants, an adequate and reliable gas supply is vital. While we have hydro power, gas-fired plants remain dominant and will likely stay that way for the next ten to twenty years,” he said.

Nnaji acknowledged the role of renewable energy in rural electrification but maintained that Nigeria’s baseload power must continue to come from gas or hydro sources.

He noted that hydro power, however, comes with limitations that require regional cooperation.

Also speaking, Yemisi Izuora, publisher of Oriental News Nigeria Online, said the conference created space for dialogue among industry players, policymakers, and investors.

Izuora stressed the importance of recognising women’s roles in the energy sector, adding that inclusion is key to achieving impactful investment.