The Nigerian government says it will accelerate approval for gas infrastructure projects, as most of the nation’s natural gas reserves remain untapped.

According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the government would address the issue of long contracting cycle in the oil and gas industry, among others.

Dr. Kachikwu told reporters on Wednesday that the contracting process in the industry spanned between two and four years.

He further urged all agencies involved in the contracting process, such as the NCDMB, National Petroleum Investment Management Services and Operating Companies, to work together and develop a common industry contracting procedure that would further reduce the contracting processing time. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Dr. Kachikwu.