Assessing Natural Gas as a Catalyst for Economic Development and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This study examines the role of natural gas as a catalyst for economic development and poverty reduction in Nigeria, with a focus on its potential to expand energy access, stimulate industrial growth, and improve livelihoods in both urban and rural areas. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research combines survey data from selected states with interviews of policymakers and energy experts, as well as focus group discussions with local community members. The findings reveal that despite policy initiatives such as the "Decade of Gas" and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the translation of natural gas potential into inclusive economic outcomes remains limited due to infrastructural bottlenecks, policy inconsistency, and regional disparities in gas utilisation. The study highlights the importance of deliberate investments in gas infrastructure, decentralised energy systems, and inclusive policy frameworks that integrate natural gas development with social equity and poverty alleviation. It concludes that natural gas, if properly harnessed, can play a transformative role in Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda by driving industrialisation, improving energy access, and reducing multidimensional poverty. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory implementation, incentivising private sector participation, and integrating gas development strategies into national and subnational poverty reduction programs.