The National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) has called on stakeholders to promote the integration of gas reticulation systems in estates, districts, and industrial areas, following best practices seen in developed countries.
Chairman of NGEP, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, made the call on Tuesday during the Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), FCT Chapter, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Gas Reticulation in Building: Design, Safety, Environmental Compliance and Prospects for Builders,” focused on enhancing energy infrastructure in Nigeria’s built environment.
Ibrahim noted that with Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, gas reticulation offered a sustainable solution to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability in homes and businesses.
“Gas reticulation in buildings presents a compelling pathway to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment.
“By prioritising sound design principles and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, we can unlock the full potential of natural gas to drive progress,” he said.
He highlighted the key benefits of gas reticulation, including energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, versatility, and reliability.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Samson Opaluwah, stressed the importance of capacity building for safe and efficient gas distribution.
He said this involved training engineers, technicians, and other professionals in system design, installation, and maintenance, while also strengthening regulatory frameworks and encouraging local innovation and manufacturing.
The Chairman of NIOB, FCT Chapter, Usman Okehi, emphasised the growing need to incorporate gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial developments across Nigeria due to rising energy demands and gas availability.
According to him, with this advancement comes the need for strict adherence to design standards, rigorous safety protocols, and full environmental compliance.
“It is our responsibility as professionals and regulators to ensure these systems are functional, safe, and environmentally sound,” Okehi said.
He described the conference as a platform where stakeholders could explore the evolving landscape of gas infrastructure in building projects, share best practices, examine safety and environmental considerations, and assess future opportunities for builders in the sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Institute of Building is the professional body for builders in Nigeria. It traces its origins to the Builders’ Society, established in London in 1834.