The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to deepen collaboration on methane emissions reduction, gas development, clean cooking access and technical capacity support.
The agreement was sealed at the IEA Headquarters in Paris, France, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, leading the government’s delegation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ekpo said the MoU formalises a strategic partnership designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen institutional governance and align Nigeria’s petroleum sector with global best practices.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s spokesman, Mr. Louis Ibah, the agreement builds on previous engagements between Nigeria and the IEA, including the inaugural Sub-Saharan Roundtable on methane emissions reduction hosted in Nigeria.
Ekpo described the pact as a significant step forward in the country’s energy reform agenda.
“This MoU marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to advance the Nigerian petroleum sector in a manner that is efficient, sustainable and aligned with global standards,” he said.
Focus of agreement
He explained that the cooperation framework will focus on methane emissions reduction strategies, policy and analytical advisory support, institutional and technical capacity building, data exchange, gas development initiatives and the expansion of gas infrastructure across the country.
The minister identified clean cooking as a central pillar of the partnership, stressing the Federal Government’s resolve to scale up access to cleaner household energy solutions.
He noted that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government is targeting five million homes for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adoption by 2030.
Ekpo expressed optimism that the collaboration with the IEA would provide Nigeria with critical technical expertise and global insights required to strengthen project bankability, attract investment and accelerate the delivery of key gas infrastructure.
He added that improved methane management and expanded clean cooking access would not only support Nigeria’s climate commitments but also enhance public health outcomes and energy security.
Representing the Agency at the event, IEA Executive Director, Dr. Fatih Birol, commended Nigeria’s commitment to tackling methane emissions and expanding clean cooking gas access.
He reaffirmed the IEA’s readiness to support the country with technical guidance and international best practices to achieve its energy transition goals.
The MoU underscores Nigeria’s broader ambition to position natural gas as a transition fuel while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and improving energy access for millions of households.
