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NNPC plans to raise Nigeria’s gas reserves from more than 215 trillion cubic feet to above 600 Tcf through its Gas Master Plan.
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The company targets national gas production of 10 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030.
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NNPC says Nigeria can simultaneously expand LNG exports and domestic gas use to generate foreign exchange, strengthen energy security and drive industrialisation.
September 14, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is pursuing multiple pathways to transform Nigeria into a global gas hub, with plans to more than double the country’s proven gas reserves over the longer term.
Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s executive vice president, Gas, Power & New Energy, disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the 2026 Gas Technology & Exhibition Conference (GASTECH) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking on a panel themed “The New LNG Order: Leadership Strategies for Energy Security and Growth”, Ogunleye said Nigeria was leveraging its more than 215 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves to support domestic industrialisation while expanding its position in international gas markets.
“Gas development and monetisation from Nigeria’s standpoint is a purely commercial play. NNPC Ltd. is implementing a Gas Master Plan engineered as a gap-to-potential tool to move Nigeria from a 215 Tcf reserves position to above 600 Tcf,” he said.
The plan is anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act, the Decade of Gas Framework and the Gas Master Plan, with the immediate focus on increasing production.
Production target rises to 12Bcf/d
Ogunleye said NNPC was targeting national gas production of 10 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030.
The targets come as Nigeria seeks to extract greater economic value from its substantial gas resources, which have historically been constrained by inadequate infrastructure, funding challenges, security concerns and limited domestic utilisation.
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According to Ogunleye, Nigeria is already a significant supplier to global gas markets and is pursuing further expansion through existing and planned LNG projects.
He cited Nigeria LNG’s Trains 1-6, which have a combined production capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and have exported more than 6,000 LNG cargoes since 1999.
Train 7, he added, is due for completion in 2027, potentially strengthening Nigeria’s LNG export capacity.
Exports and domestic use to run together
NNPC said Nigeria’s ambition to expand LNG exports would not come at the expense of domestic gas utilisation.
Ogunleye said the country was pursuing a dual pathway in which gas exports would generate foreign exchange while domestic utilisation would support industrial activity, employment and energy security.
The approach is particularly important as Nigeria seeks to expand gas-fired power generation and supply feedstock to industries while also positioning itself to benefit from growing international demand for LNG.
He said Nigeria’s geographical position gives it access to both Atlantic Basin and Asian markets, providing an advantage as global gas trade patterns evolve amid geopolitical tensions and changes in energy supply
NNPC courts LNG investment
Ogunleye said Nigeria had also taken steps to reduce investment risks for new LNG projects through its legal and regulatory framework and fiscal incentives.
He identified stable security, competitive gas pricing and assured gas supply as critical to attracting investors and financiers into new projects.
“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,” he said.
His comments came at the 54th GASTECH conference, which brings together energy companies, policymakers, investors and technology firms to discuss LNG, natural gas, hydrogen and low-carbon energy.
For Nigeria, the challenge now is converting its large reserve base into higher production, infrastructure and investment.
The targets of 10 Bcf/d by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030 therefore provide a measurable test of whether the country can turn its long-promoted gas potential into a larger industrial and export economy.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
