Nigeria, Dec. 11 -- The Nigerian government on Thursday launched Africa's first gas trading licence, clearing house, and settlement authorisation platform aimed at enabling efficient, transparent, and swift trading of natural gas.

The initiative led by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in collaboration with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted licenses to JEX Markets Limited to establish and operate the online platform for gas trading and exchange.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Thursday, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), said the platform will pave the way for smooth natural gas business, transparent pricing, efficient price determination, and se...