The Convener of the Third Abuja International Natural Gas-Based Industries Conference and Exhibition (EINGICE 2026), Dr Emeka Okafor, has called on African leaders to use the continent’s natural gas resources to boost industrial growth, create jobs and improve the economy.
Speaking at the conference in Abuja, Okafor said Africa must move beyond exporting raw resources to developing local industries, technology and supply chains.
He said the continent’s challenge was not a lack of resources but the failure to turn them into industries and lasting economic benefits.
Okafor urged governments to ensure that projects were awarded based on merit and competence rather than personal connections, stressing the need for responsible investment.
He also called on industry players to strengthen partnerships, invest in viable projects and support local businesses. He acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Energy Training Fund (ETDF) to local capacity development.
The convener urged investors to explore opportunities across the gas value chain and encouraged technology firms, universities and research institutions to develop practical solutions for the industry. He also called on young professionals to embrace integrity, creativity and technical skills.
In his welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor of European University of Nigeria and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Charles Esimonye, said Africa needed effective policies and investment to turn its gas resources into industrial growth, jobs and energy security.
Esimonye urged governments to create an enabling environment, industry operators to invest in infrastructure and technology, and universities to promote research and innovation. He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital twins and automation in improving the gas industry.
Earlier, the Founder of Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants, Professor Mike Onyekonwu, praised the organisers for sustaining the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing, investment and cooperation in the energy sector.
Onyekonwu said natural gas could support economic growth if stakeholders prioritised domestic use, infrastructure, technology, skills development and stronger industry partnerships.
He congratulated Okafor and the organising team on the third edition of the conference, expressing hope that it would produce practical ideas and partnerships for developing Africa’s gas industry.
The conference brought together representatives of government, industry, academia and the private sector to discuss investment, technology and strategies for expanding natural gas use and industrialisation across Africa.
