The Changing Role of Natural Gas in Nigeria

33 Pages Posted: 27 Mar 2018 Last revised: 16 Apr 2018

See all articles by Giovanni Occhiali

Giovanni Occhiali

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)

Giacomo Falchetta

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)

Date Written: March 26, 2018

Abstract

Nigeria is richly endowed with energy resources, and the Government has been making large profits from their export. However, windfall revenues have also been affecting the Government’s responsiveness and accountability towards the people and they have brought it into collusive relationship with international oil and gas companies operating in the country. A skewed distribution of petroleum resources costs and benefits, as well as the dependence on exports exposing the public finances to volatility in the international markets have represented further major issues. As a result, energy access and power generation still represent urgent issues for action in the country. Solid biomass accounts for 74% of the primary energy consumption, while the electrification rate stands at 34% in rural areas. Active power plants are mainly gas-fired, but they face capacity, maintenance, and financial constraints. While historically natural gas has been disregarded or flared into the atmosphere because it was considered a by-product of oil due to lacking market conditions and processing capacity, today the development of a domestic market for natural gas is seen as a key priority to guarantee energy security and boost industrial development in Nigeria. A more efficient and equitable governance of the sector and management of export revenues can play a major role in this sense. In this context, this paper highlights the main current issues and underpins key policy conditions for this transition to take place in Nigeria.

Keywords: Nigeria, Natural Gas, Domestic Energy Development, Government Policy, Resource Governance

JEL Classification: Q32, Q41, Q48

Suggested Citation

Occhiali, Giovanni and Falchetta, Giacomo, The Changing Role of Natural Gas in Nigeria (March 26, 2018). FEEM Working Paper No. 10.2018, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3149339 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3149339

Giovanni Occhiali

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) ( email )

C.so Magenta 63
Milano, 20123
Italy

Giacomo Falchetta (Contact Author)

Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) ( email )

C.so Magenta 63
Milano, 20123
Italy

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