NIGERIA SETS AMBITIOUS GAS EXPANSION PLAN, EYES 600TCF RESERVE POTENTIAL BY 2030

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is targeting a major expansion of the country’s natural gas sector, with plans to raise national gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030 while working towards unlocking the country’s estimated gas reserve potential of about 600 trillion cubic feet. The targets are contained in the NNPC Gas Master Plan, which is designed to accelerate gas development, improve infrastructure and attract fresh investment into the sector.

Nigeria currently has about 210 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, making it Africa’s largest holder of proven gas reserves, while significant additional resources remain to be developed and converted into proven and commercially recoverable reserves. The plan seeks to advance possible, or 3P, reserves into 2P reserves while accelerating the development of deepwater gas projects and reducing the amount of gas reinjected or flared. NNPC is also targeting 10 billion cubic feet per day of gas supply by 2027 before reaching 12 billion cubic feet daily by 2030.

The Gas Master Plan identifies several major gas-producing hubs that are expected to drive future output, including the Gbaran-Soku-Obagi-OBOB, Utorogu-Ughelli-Okpokonou-Iseni-Brass, Escravos and Otumara-Forcados-Tunu hubs. NNPC plans to expand processing capacity, rehabilitate existing facilities and develop new infrastructure around these locations to unlock additional supplies. The company also intends to improve the connection between gas-producing areas and major domestic and export markets through projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline and other strategic gas transportation networks.

The strategy is also aimed at increasing the amount of produced gas that is commercially utilised. According to the plan, gas monetisation is expected to rise from about 60 per cent currently to 75 per cent by 2027 and 80 per cent by 2030. The additional gas is expected to support power generation, fertiliser production, gas-based industries, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas projects, while also strengthening Nigeria’s ability to supply regional and international markets.

NNPC said achieving the targets will depend on timely investment, improved infrastructure, stronger project execution and cooperation among operators, investors and government institutions. The Gas Master Plan is intended to provide a coordinated approach to developing Nigeria’s gas resources while reducing infrastructure bottlenecks and improving the reliability of supply. If successfully implemented, the strategy could strengthen gas as a major driver of industrial development, energy security and government revenue over the coming years.