Nigeria Achieves Increase in Daily Natural Gas Production
Nigeria’s average daily natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.63% from 7.88 bcf/d recorded in May 2025. This data, released by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), underlines the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance its gas production capabilities.
Insights from NUPRC
The NUPRC reported that non-associated gas (NAG) production slightly surpassed associated gas (AG) output for the month, highlighting the increasing significance of dedicated gas development projects in Nigeria. Specifically, AG production was recorded at 3.96 bcf/d, while NAG accounted for 3.98 bcf/d. Despite a marginal decline of 0.12% from the production level of 7.94 bcf/d in April 2026, the year-to-date average production of 7.87 bcf/d marks an uptick from 7.82 bcf/d in the first quarter of the year.
Recent trends show a steady rise in gas production, which has climbed from 7.80 bcf/d in January to 7.93 bcf/d by May. NUPRC attributed the increasing contribution from non-associated gas to the growth of dedicated gas projects, which are pivotal for diversifying Nigeria’s energy production portfolio.
Domestic Consumption and Export Trends
Nigeria continues to channel a significant portion of its gas production towards domestic consumption, exports, and field activities. During the reported period, gas export sales reached 3.07 bcf/d, making up roughly 40% of total gas output. Meanwhile, domestic gas sales grew to 2.18 bcf/d, constituting 26.6% of overall usage. Additionally, approximately 2.11 bcf/d—representing 26.5% of production—was utilized for field operations and internal consumption. Gas flaring accounted for 0.57 bcf/d, or 6.9% of total production.
The increase in domestic gas supplies aligns with the government’s initiatives aimed at bolstering power generation, industrial growth, and gas-based manufacturing as part of Nigeria’s gas expansion strategy. The NUPRC also indicated that from January to April 2026, Nigeria successfully utilized around 92% of its natural gas production, showcasing substantial progress in curbing routine gas flaring.
Maximizing Economic Value from Natural Gas Resources
As part of its energy transition strategy, Nigeria is intensifying efforts to harness the economic potential of its extensive natural gas reserves. From January to April 2026, the nation produced 947.78 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf) of gas, with 872.69 Bscf allocated for domestic supplies, exports, and field operations. Notably, approximately 57.34 Bscf were flared during this timeframe, while monthly gas utilization consistently exceeded 91%, with flaring accounting for between 6% and 7% of production.
Future Gas Development Plans
In October, the NUPRC unveiled a comprehensive gas development roadmap designed to unlock more than 55 trillion cubic feet of untapped gas reserves while attracting significant foreign investments across the country’s gas value chain. With Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria stands poised to leverage these resources for substantial economic diversification beyond its traditional reliance on crude oil.
Moreover, the Nigerian government has committed to enhancing domestic gas availability to facilitate industrial growth and power generation, aiming to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030. These initiatives are set to play a vital role in reshaping the landscape of Nigeria’s energy sector and fostering sustainable economic development.
