The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to increase Nigeria’s daily gas production by 32 percent, setting a target of 10 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) per day by 2030.
This move, authorities say, is part of the administration’s strategy to position gas as a key driver of industrial growth, energy security, and foreign investment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during a meeting with the management of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
According to Edun, the Federal Government views natural gas as a “transition fuel” with vast potential to boost power generation, supply industries, and support export earnings.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s abundant reserves—estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf)—remain underutilized, but recent reforms aim to unlock this potential.
“The government is positioning Nigeria as a global energy player.
The President has stabilised the economy and created new opportunities for both manufacturing and energy.
With comprehensive tax reforms and targeted investments, we are building a more competitive and investor-friendly environment,” Edun said.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) shows that gas production averaged 7.59 bscf/day in July 2025.
Meeting the 2030 target of 10 bscf/day means Nigeria must close a supply gap of about 2.41 bscf/day within five years.
This requires sustained investments in exploration, infrastructure, and midstream facilities such as pipelines and processing plants.
Recent agreements, including the Deepwater oil and gas deal with TotalEnergies, are expected to support this goal by providing financing and technical capacity.
At the meeting, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, provided updates on the company’s operations.
He highlighted stronger gas supply, improved security along the Trans-Niger pipeline, and increased capacity utilisation, which has risen above 70 percent.
Mshelbila also pointed to infrastructure progress, including the much-delayed Bodo-Bonny Road project, but stressed the need for government support in extending the East-West highway under the tax credit scheme to enhance logistics and supply chains.
“Logistics remain a major challenge. Expanding the road network will support our operations and improve gas evacuation to industries and export terminals,” he noted.
Edun reassured industry stakeholders that ongoing reforms are tailored to encourage investment and efficiency. These include:
Tax reforms to create a transparent and competitive fiscal regime.
Digital trade systems to streamline regulatory oversight, reduce inefficiencies, and eliminate leakages.
Stronger inter-agency collaboration, particularly with security agencies, to safeguard critical energy infrastructure.
“We want a transparent, technology-driven environment where investors can operate with confidence,” Edun added.
Nigeria’s gas expansion plan comes at a time when the global energy landscape is shifting.
While renewable energy is gaining traction, gas is still viewed as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil.
With the European Union and Asia seeking diversified supplies amid geopolitical tensions, Nigeria is well-placed to strengthen its export position.
Industry analysts note that achieving the 10 bscf/day target could generate billions in foreign exchange earnings, create thousands of jobs, and power local industries ranging from fertilizers to petrochemicals.
Despite optimism, challenges remain. Funding constraints, pipeline vandalism, community unrest in the Niger Delta, and delays in executing large-scale projects continue to threaten production.
Experts warn that without consistent policy implementation, the ambitious 2030 target could face setbacks.
However, with Nigeria’s renewed focus on public-private partnerships and international collaborations, stakeholders believe the outlook is more positive than in previous years.
For the government, gas is no longer just a by-product of oil—it is the backbone of its industrialisation drive.
By boosting daily production to 10 bscf, Nigeria hopes to ensure reliable electricity, attract energy-intensive industries, and reinforce its global relevance as an energy supplier.
As Edun concluded during the meeting:
“The success of this plan will depend on collaboration.
Together with NLNG and other stakeholders, we can build an energy future that drives inclusive economic growth and secures Nigeria’s place in the global market.”