L-R: Ijeoma Isichei, Head of Gas Business Development, Sahara Group; Olurotimi Famoroti, CEO of First Independent Power Limited (FIPL); Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy; Mr Abel Nsa, Senior Technical Adviser to the Nigerian Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas); Mobolaji Sunmoni, Senior Infrastructure Finance Professional and Dr Adeola Yusuf, Team lead of Platforms Africa. during the Asharami Square event themed ‘Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future’, in Lagos, July 11, 2025.
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At a time when Africa faces urgent questions about how to power its future sustainably, Sahara Group’s Asharami Square 2.0 provided a platform for clarity, collaboration, and conviction. Held in Lagos, the second edition of the thought leadership forum brought together leading voices from across the energy, media, and policy landscapes — all united by one message: natural gas is not just a transitional fuel; it is a transformational tool for Africa’s development.
With media practitioners, policymakers, industry experts, and energy developers in attendance, the event dug deep into the continent’s energy realities — highlighting the importance of gas as a bridge between current energy access needs and long-term renewable goals.
“Natural gas is not merely a transitional fuel. It is a transformational fuel. It can power our industries, energize our homes, reduce dependence on polluting fuels, and drive inclusive economic growth,” declared Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), in a speech delivered by his adviser, Mr. Abel Nsa.
Drawing attention to what he called Africa’s energy paradox, Ekpo referenced International Energy Agency (IEA) data showing that although the continent holds over 7% of the world’s gas reserves, it consumes less than 5% of global output. Nigeria, alongside Algeria, Egypt, and Mozambique, houses the lion’s share of these reserves.
Ekpo emphasized the need for urgent infrastructure investments, including cross-border pipelines, virtual delivery systems, and financing mechanisms that can attract the private sector. He commended Sahara Group for creating a platform like Asharami Square that connects “intention to action.”
The Keynote Speaker at the dialogue, Dr. Justice Derefaka, Group Asset Manager, PSC Asset Group B at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), reinforced the developmental value of gas, especially its power to lift millions out of poverty, improve health through cleaner cooking fuels, and boost food security via energy access for agriculture. Represented by Mr Frank Mmamelu, Asset Manager PSC, he also called for investment in local skills to reduce the export of unrefined gas and retain value on the continent.
In his submission during the panel session, media communications expert and Team Lead of Platforms Africa, Dr. Adeola Yusuf made a compelling case for journalists and communicators to have a seat at the energy transition table. The multi-award winning journalist called on public and private institutions to provide access to timely, accurate information that can help prevent misinformation, hold stakeholders accountable, and eliminate greenwashing.
“The media is a key driver of trust and transparency in the sustainability journey. It should be empowered to report accurately and advocate responsibly,” Yusuf said.
Sahara Group’s Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability, challenged the one-size-fits-all approach to global sustainability. While net-zero emissions targets dominate international conversations, she argued that African countries must focus on energy access, affordability, and inclusive growth.
“We cannot copy and paste the global sustainability narrative,” Gray noted. “Africa’s young and growing population demands a practical mix of solutions — and gas has to be one of them.”
Gray also outlined Sahara Group’s expanding gas infrastructure projects across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tanzania, designed to improve energy access and regional trade.
Wrapping up the event, Sahara Group presented the Asharami Awards for Outstanding Sustainability Reporting to top media platforms including Vanguard Online, Punch, Nigeria Info 99.3FM, and Arise News.
“These awards highlight the role of the media in shaping Africa’s energy narrative,” said Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group. “We want to inspire more fact-based, balanced reporting that informs policy and spurs action.”
The lively panel session, anchored by Omobolanle Adesulu, Sahara Group’s Business Performance Manager (Gas), featured sector leaders who painted a nuanced picture of what it would take for gas to fulfill its promise — and what failure to act could cost. They highlighted issues such as financing gaps to funding risks, infrastructure deficit and the promise of clean cooking. The panelists included; Ijeoma Isichei, Sahara Group’s Head of Gas Business Development; Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head of Integrated Gas Ventures, Asharami Energy; Olurotimi Famoroti, CEO of First Independent Power Limited (FIPL); Mobolaji Sunmoni, Senior Infrastructure Finance Professional; Mr Abel Nsa, Technical Adviser to the Nigerian Minister of State for Gas, and Dr Adeola Yusuf, Team lead of Platforms Africa.
Asharami Square 2.0 ended with optimism and urgency. With Sahara Group approaching its 30th anniversary, plans are already underway for the next edition of the forum — a space that continues to bridge energy realities with sustainability ambitions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
