NNPC plans to make Nigeria a top global gas player

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has reaffirmed its goal to make Nigeria a global hub for gas.

In a statement from NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, shared this during the 2026 Gas Technology & Exhibition Conference (GASTECH) in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday.

Mr Ogunleye spoke at a panel session titled, “The New LNG Order: Leadership Strategies for Energy Security and Growth.”

He mentioned that Nigeria aims to use its over 215 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves to boost local industries and grow its export market. This comes as global energy supply and demand face challenges due to geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

“Gas development and monetisation from Nigeria’s standpoint is a purely commercial play. NNPC Ltd. is implementing a Gas Master Plan (GMP) engineered as a gap-to-potential tool to move Nigeria from a 215tcf reserves position to above 600tcf,” Mr Ogunleye said.

Gas production goals

Mr Ogunleye explained that NNPC’s strategy relies on better coordination under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Decade of Gas Framework, and the Gas Master Plan.

He stated that the short-term targets include increasing Nigeria’s national gas production to 10 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030.

In January, NNPC launched its Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026 to drive industrialisation and improve Nigeria’s energy security.

At the launch, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, noted that Nigeria has about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves, with potential upside of up to 600 Tcf. He called this resource one of the most significant in the world and said its development is backed by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the government's gas-focused energy transition agenda.

Mr Ojulari added that the plan aims to exceed the presidential target of raising national gas production to 10 Bcf/d by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030.

He also mentioned that the plan is expected to attract over $60 billion in investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030. The focus is on cutting costs, improving operations, and turning gas resources into bankable reserves.

The plan also aims to boost gas supply for power generation, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Mini-LNG, and other key industries.

Mr Ojulari pointed out that NNPC is working with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors to develop the GMP 2026.

LNG development

At GASTECH, Mr Ogunleye said Nigeria is already a reliable global gas supplier and is working to expand its LNG capacity.

He mentioned the Nigeria LNG project’s Trains 1-6, which have a combined production capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and have exported over 6,000 LNG cargoes since 1999.

He also highlighted Train 7, expected to be finished in 2027, as part of Nigeria’s LNG expansion efforts.

Mr Ogunleye explained that Nigeria’s location gives it access to both the Atlantic Basin and Asian markets, enhancing its role as a key global gas supplier.

With substantial gas reserves and a renewed focus on gas development, he believes Nigeria has a solid foundation for industry growth.

He emphasized that using gas domestically and for exports can happen at the same time. Nigeria is pursuing both routes to earn foreign exchange while boosting local gas use, creating jobs, enhancing energy security, and improving the economy.

Mr Ogunleye noted that Nigeria has reduced risks for new LNG projects with a strong legal and regulatory framework and attractive incentives for investors.

“With ongoing efforts for stable security, competitive gas pricing, and assured gas supply, now is the best time for investors and financiers to join Nigeria’s LNG projects,” he said.

GASTECH is a major global event that focuses on natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, and low-carbon solutions. This 54th edition has about 50,000 participants from over 150 countries. It includes energy experts, CEOs, policymakers, investors, and technology leaders discussing energy security, LNG supply, infrastructure investment, and decarbonisation.