- NNPC plans to increase Nigeria’s proven gas reserves from more than 215 Tcf to over 600 Tcf through its Gas Master Plan.
- The company targets 10 Bcf/d national gas production by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030 while expanding domestic use and LNG exports.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has outlined multiple initiatives to transform Nigeria into a global gas hub. NNPC Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, announced the strategy at GASTECH 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ogunleye said Nigeria will leverage more than 215 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves to support industrialisation and expand exports. He said NNPC will pursue gas development and monetisation on commercial principles while implementing its Gas Master Plan (GMP). According to Ogunleye, the plan will increase Nigeria’s reserves from 215 Tcf to more than 600 Tcf.
NNPC Targets Higher Gas Production
NNPC will anchor the strategy on the Petroleum Industry Act, the Decade of Gas framework, and the Gas Master Plan. Ogunleye said these frameworks will strengthen coordination across Nigeria’s gas sector. The company targets national gas production of 10 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027.
It also targets 12 Bcf/d by 2030 as Nigeria expands production and develops additional gas resources. “Gas development and monetisation from Nigeria’s standpoint is a purely commercial play,” Ogunleye said. He described the Gas Master Plan as a “gap-to-potential tool” designed to move Nigeria beyond its current reserve position.
LNG Expansion Supports Export Ambitions
Nigeria already supplies LNG to international markets through Nigeria LNG Limited. Trains 1-6 currently produce about 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), according to NNPC. The facilities have exported more than 6,000 LNG cargoes since operations began in 1999.
Meanwhile, NNPC expects Train 7 to reach completion in 2027 and further increase Nigeria’s LNG export capacity. Ogunleye also highlighted Nigeria’s geographic position between Atlantic Basin and Asian markets. Consequently, the country can serve major global energy consumers while leveraging its substantial domestic gas resource base.
NNPC Pursues Domestic And Export Gas Markets
NNPC intends to expand domestic gas utilisation alongside international exports. Ogunleye said the two objectives can operate simultaneously rather than compete for available resources. The company plans to use exports to generate foreign exchange while expanding domestic gas use for industrial development. Additionally, NNPC expects greater domestic utilisation to create jobs, strengthen energy security and support broader economic growth. This dual-track strategy positions gas as both an export commodity and an input for Nigeria’s industrial economy.
NNPC Seeks More LNG Investment
NNPC also highlighted measures designed to reduce investment risks across new LNG projects. Ogunleye said Nigeria has established a stronger legal and regulatory framework underpinned by fiscal incentives. He added that continued improvements in security, competitive gas pricing and reliable supply could strengthen investor confidence. “With continued efforts towards stable security, competitive gas pricing and assured gas supply, there is no better time for investors and financiers to confidently participate in the development of Nigeria’s LNG projects,” Ogunleye said.
GASTECH 2026 provided the platform for the announcement as global energy leaders examined LNG supply, energy security and infrastructure investment. The 54th edition attracted about 50,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including policymakers, investors, energy executives and technology leaders. NNPC said its strategy seeks to combine resource expansion, higher production, domestic industrialisation and export growth as Nigeria pursues its global gas hub ambition.