His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), delivered a keynote address today at the Nigeria Decade of Gas Day and the official Launch of the KGG Eco-Industrial Park, held at the Nigerian Pavilion on the sidelines of the World Gas Conference 2025.The invitation was extended by His Excellency Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his address, HE Hamel commended Nigeria’s pivotal role in the global energy landscape, highlighting its leadership in advancing investment, innovation, and cooperation within the natural gas sector. He acknowledged Nigeria’s ambitious “Decade of Gas” initiative as a key enabler for sustainable industrial development and a best practice within Africa.

HE Hamel underscored that natural gas demand is projected to grow by approximately 32% by 2050, with Africa, home to more than 8% of the world’s proven gas reserves, positioned at the vanguard of this transformation. He described this trajectory as a remarkable opportunity to drive economic growth, deepen regional integration, and reinforce global energy security.

Citing the recently published GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050 (9th edition), HE Hamel noted that over 70% of Africa’s future gas production is expected to originate from new projects by mid-century. He stressed the critical need for sustained and timely investment to unlock the continent’s full energy potential and meet future energy demand.

On the occasion, Dr. Abubakar Abbas, Senior Energy Forecasting Analyst at the GECF, delivered a dedicated presentation on the 9th edition of the GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050, highlighting the publication’s key findings and strategic policy messages. Addressing an audience of Nigerian policymakers, business leaders, and energy experts, he emphasized that securing long-term investment in gas infrastructure requires demand certainty, regulatory stability, and assured market access.

In his remarks, HE Rt. Honorable Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo extended his sincere appreciation to HE Hamel and the GECF for their continued engagement and valuable insights, reaffirming Nigeria’s strong commitment to its partnership with the Forum.