Nigeria’s Gas Production Surges, Aims for Regional Energy Leadership
Nigeria has made significant strides in its gas production, with the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Mr. Ed Ubong, announcing a notable increase from approximately 6.8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2023 to 7.5 bcf/d in 2025. This progress was highlighted during the Decade of Gas and World Bank Ministerial Roundtable and workshop, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of gas in Africa.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Growth
Mr. Ubong attributed the growth to strong collaboration among government institutions, regulators, investors, and industry players. He emphasized that this collective effort is crucial for scaling up gas production and deepening regional energy cooperation. The goal is to deliver up to 12 bcf/d of gas into the market by 2030, which would significantly enhance Nigeria’s role as a regional energy hub.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among African nations, development partners, and private investors in unlocking the continent’s gas potential. This includes engaging with key regulators such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as well as representatives from the World Bank and project sponsors.
Strategic Objectives and Key Initiatives
The roundtable featured presentations on Africa’s gas landscape, including insights from global consulting firm McKinsey. Workshop discussions focused on collaboration between the World Bank and project sponsors, aiming to accelerate gas infrastructure and development projects across Africa.
Thematic sessions were also held to identify practical strategies for efficient gas transportation across the continent to meet growing energy demands. These efforts are part of a broader vision to transform Nigeria into a catalyst for a regional gas ecosystem across West Africa.
Historical Context and Vision
Tracing the origins of Nigeria’s current gas drive, Mr. Ubong recalled that the Federal Government declared 2021 to 2030 as the “Decade of Gas,” marking a strategic shift toward gas as a central pillar of the country’s energy mix. President Bola Tinubu has consistently championed gas as a driver of economic growth under the vision of “Gas for Nigeria’s Prosperity.”
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) continues to engage stakeholders to strengthen the value chain. A dedicated Secretariat was established in 2023 to coordinate implementation, focusing on unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, stimulating demand through credible off-takers, expanding infrastructure, ensuring competitive pricing, and building human capacity across the sector.
Priority Areas and Future Projects
Mr. Ubong identified gas-to-power and the expansion of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage as two priority areas. The gas-to-power initiative aims to improve electricity supply, while increased LPG adoption seeks to replace firewood and charcoal, thereby improving public health and environmental sustainability.
Several upstream operators have taken Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) on major gas projects, with additional investments expected in the near future. Over 215 gas demand projects are currently tracked within NMDPRA’s centralized database, enabling more efficient planning and execution.
Infrastructure and Environmental Commitments
To enhance coordination, Mr. Ubong revealed that accountability mechanisms have been strengthened, with stakeholders monitored on project delivery and progress. He emphasized the need for robust public-private partnerships to deliver critical pipeline projects requiring an estimated $22 billion in investment.
Nigeria is also committed to environmental sustainability, with efforts underway to curb gas flaring as production increases, in line with global environmental standards. The power sector remains central to the gas agenda, requiring close coordination among key ministries, including Power and Finance, as well as industry operators to ensure reliable electricity supply.
Domestic Consumption and Regional Cooperation
On domestic consumption, Nigeria plans to increase LPG usage from 1.8 million tonnes per annum to 3 million tonnes by 2030. As part of this strategy, over five million gas cylinders are expected to be distributed nationwide to encourage the transition to cleaner cooking energy.
Mr. Ubong concluded that while significant progress has been made over the past three years, sustained collaboration remains critical to achieving Nigeria’s gas ambitions and broader energy security goals. “This platform provides an opportunity to deepen partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation, and accelerate delivery,” he said. “Africa’s energy future depends on our ability to work together across borders, institutions, and value chains to achieve shared prosperity.”
