From box-ticking to real industrial power — Nigeria wants local content that delivers jobs, tech and global competitiveness.
The Federal Government is calling for a major rethink of Africa’s local content strategy, urging a shift from compliance-based rules to performance-driven frameworks that can truly power industrial growth in the gas sector.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Africa’s vast gas resources offer the fastest path to industrialisation, diversification and shared prosperity — if local content policies actually build competitive businesses.
According to Ekpo, while existing policies have boosted indigenous participation, they haven’t always produced globally competitive companies, advanced technology or deep value retention.
He stressed that gas — critical to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan — can drive jobs and regional integration through power generation, fertilisers, petrochemicals, clean cooking and gas-powered transport.
To make it work, the minister called for a new compact involving government, industry, financiers and training institutions, with clear goals, measurable outcomes and scalable models.
“Local content must create productive, innovative and export-ready African companies — not just meet regulatory thresholds,” he said.
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