… says growing network of CNG facilities, investments in mother and daughter stations are lowering energy costs
Oredola Adeola
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chairman of Portland Gas Limited, has emphasised that regulatory certainty, transparent policy frameworks, and competitive fiscal incentives are critical to attracting the scale of investment needed to transform Nigeria’s energy sector.
The former Minister of Information and Culture made this known on Thursday, in his keynote address at the Oriental News Nigeria 2026 Conference, where he spoke on the theme, “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonisation Initiatives in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms.”
Speaking in a strategic industry context, he noted that those factors would play a decisive role in unlocking billions of dollars in capital required to drive growth, deepen gas utilisation, and reposition the country within the global energy market.
Alh. Mohammed stressed that decarbonisation has moved beyond long-term ambition to an immediate priority, noting that carbon capture, cleaner fuels and enabling regulatory reforms remain central to achieving sustainable energy transition goals.
He maintained that infrastructure development alone would be insufficient to meet national climate targets and global Net Zero commitments, highlighting that transformation finance, sound investment strategies, operational sustainability and effective climate governance are critical drivers of success.
Mohammed further identified financing as a major constraint to scaling clean energy infrastructure across Africa.
He said, “We therefore need innovative financing models, blended finance, green bonds, carbon markets and long-term investment frameworks that reduce project risks and encourage greater private sector participation.”
The former Minister also highlighted the role of gas-based solutions in advancing decarbonisation, noting that expanding investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure are already delivering measurable impact.
“At Portland Gas Limited, being one of Nigeria’s indigenous clean energy companies, we firmly believe that the path to Net Zero is not about slowing economic development; rather, it is about accelerating sustainable growth through innovation, responsible investment and strategic collaboration,” he said.
Alh. Mohammed said Portland Gas has remained committed to expanding access to cleaner energy by investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), LNG infrastructure, virtual pipeline systems and gas-to-power solutions.
He explained that the company’s growing network of CNG facilities, investments in mother and daughter stations, and support for cleaner transportation and industrial energy solutions are helping businesses and communities reduce emissions while lowering energy costs.
According to him, “Every litre of diesel displaced by natural gas represents a meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
He said, “Every fleet converted to CNG moves Nigeria one step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“These are not merely business milestones—they are contributions to our national climate objectives and to the global pursuit of Net Zero.”
Lai Mohammed stressed that operational sustainability must remain central to the industry’s long-term growth and relevance.
He said, “As we build new infrastructure, we must embrace digital technologies, improve operational efficiency, minimise methane emissions, strengthen environmental stewardship and invest continuously in local capacity development.
“Sustainability is no longer simply about compliance, it has become a competitive advantage and a measure of corporate leadership.”
The former Minister also highlighted the need for collective action in addressing climate change, describing it as a shared responsibility across all stakeholders.
Alh Mohammed has therefore challenged the Federal Government and the sub-nationals to provide enabling policies, financial institutions must support the transition with patient capital, technology providers must continue to innovate, and industry must remain committed to measurable environmental outcomes.
