NNPC to boost gas supply by 1.8bcf/d as Nigeria faces rising domestic energy demand
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has unveiled plans to expand gas supply by 1.8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2026 to address growing domestic energy requirements.
This announcement was made during a briefing with members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Abuja, where the company detailed how its subsidiaries—NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) and Nigerian Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)—will contribute to the increase.
According to the briefing, NUIMS is expected to add 1.496 bcf/d, while NEPL will contribute an additional 223.6 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d). These planned increases form part of Nigeria’s broader Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, which targets a total gas supply of 10 bcf/d by 2027 and 12 bcf/d by 2030.
Strategic framework for growth
NNPC officials stressed that the rise in gas supply is critical to supporting key sectors such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), power generation, industrial parks, and compressed natural gas (CNG). By meeting this growing demand, the company hopes to unlock investment and strengthen energy security across the country.
“The plan is designed to deliver the presidential mandate of increasing national production to 10 bcf/d by 2027 and 12 bcf/d by 2030, while catalysing over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030,” said NNPC Group Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari.
Ojulari highlighted that achieving these goals requires sustained domestic and global demand, robust governance structures, alignment among industry stakeholders, and improved access to funding via bankable gas projects.
He also stressed the importance of competitive fiscal and commercial incentives to attract private investment, particularly in deepwater gas development, as well as reforms in the power sector to strengthen the gas-to-power value chain.
Hub-based development model
The Gas Master Plan introduces a hub-based development approach, grouping gas assets based on strategic criteria to optimise production, infrastructure, and investment efficiency.
A hub-ranking exercise has identified 23 high-potential hubs that are expected to drive supply growth over the short and medium term.
According to NNPC, this model will streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and provide a coordinated framework to expand gas infrastructure. By clustering resources and infrastructure, Nigeria can accelerate production growth while ensuring reliable delivery to industrial, commercial, and power sectors.
Implications for domestic energy
The planned increase in gas supply is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy landscape. Expanded gas availability can reduce reliance on liquid fuels, support industrialisation, and lower energy costs for businesses and households. In particular, boosting gas-to-power projects will help alleviate power shortages, a critical factor for economic growth.
Experts note that meeting rising domestic gas demand is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s industrial hubs, LNG exports, and emerging CNG initiatives. By delivering on the Gas Master Plan, NNPC is positioning Nigeria as a regional gas leader and attracting foreign and domestic investments.
Challenges and opportunities
While the plan is ambitious, success will depend on the implementation of regulatory reforms, efficient project financing, and collaboration with international and local partners.
Ensuring environmental compliance and addressing security concerns in gas-producing regions will also be key to sustaining production.
NNPC’s proactive strategy reflects the federal government’s commitment to energy security, economic diversification, and industrial development.
By systematically increasing domestic gas supply, the company aims to balance growing demand, reduce import dependence, and support national growth targets.
As NNPC prepares to boost gas supply by 1.8 bcf/d in 2026, industry stakeholders and investors are watching closely, anticipating that Nigeria’s gas sector could become a cornerstone of long-term economic development and regional energy leadership. Y
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