Nigeria's Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said African governments should balance natural gas exports with domestic use on Friday [1].
This strategic shift aims to prevent over-reliance on foreign markets, ensuring that the continent's own energy resources drive local economic growth and energy security [1].
Ekpo said this in Abuja, Nigeria, during the 2026 [1] Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), where he served as the meeting's president [1]. The discussion focused on how African nations can better integrate their gas sectors to foster industrialization [2].
According to the minister, a strategic approach to gas utilization is necessary to ensure that resources are not merely extracted for export but are used to power local infrastructure [1]. By prioritizing domestic energy needs, African governments can reduce energy poverty and stimulate the growth of local manufacturing sectors [1].
The push for integrated gas management comes as member nations of the GECF seek to coordinate their policies to maximize the value of their reserves [2]. Ekpo said that the balance between selling gas abroad and using it at home is critical for long-term development [1].
The meeting in Abuja served as a platform for coordinating these efforts across the continent, a move intended to create a more resilient energy framework for the region [2].
“Balance natural gas exports with domestic utilisation across Africa”
The call for balanced gas utilization reflects a broader shift toward 'energy sovereignty' in Africa. By pivoting from a purely export-led model to one that fuels domestic industry, African nations aim to break the cycle of exporting raw materials and importing finished energy products, potentially lowering electricity costs and accelerating industrialization across the continent.
