Nigeria’s gas sector is set for a major scale-up following the unveiling of the NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026), a framework aimed at accelerating gas production, infrastructure expansion, and investment-driven industrial growth.
The Plan, unveiled on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, outlines targets to raise national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day (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 within the same period.
Nigeria holds an estimated 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural gas reserves, with an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, positioning the country among the most gas-endowed nations globally. Despite this, the challenge has historically been translating resource potential into reliable supply, infrastructure, and economic value.
From Policy to Execution
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan 2026 as a shift from policy articulation to execution, anchored on commercial discipline and integrated sector coordination.
According to Ekpo, the Plan is designed to address long-standing gaps between gas availability and utilisation by focusing on supply reliability, infrastructure development, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships.
He noted that the framework aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which positions natural gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation agenda, and just energy transition strategy.
“Nigeria is fundamentally a gas nation. The issue has never been resource availability, but effective translation into measurable outcomes for the economy and citizens,” the Minister said.
Investment, Infrastructure, and Market Expansion
In his remarks, NNPC Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the Gas Master Plan 2026 provides an execution-focused roadmap to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential and strengthen the country’s position as a competitive regional and global gas hub.
Ojulari noted that the Plan prioritises:
- Systematic advancement of gas resources from prospective (3P) to bankable (2P) reserves
- Cost optimisation and operational efficiency across the gas value chain
- Expanded gas supply to power generation, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Mini-LNG, and strategic industrial users
He added that the framework is structured to exceed existing production mandates while supporting domestic energy needs and export opportunities.
“The Gas Master Plan is not just about increasing output. It is about ensuring gas translates into power generation, industrial activity, cleaner fuels, and long-term economic value,” Ojulari said.
Industry Backing and Private Sector Alignment
The Plan has drawn support from industry operators and producers, reflecting a growing alignment between government policy and private sector execution.
Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Adegbite Falade, described the initiative as a boost for the economy, noting that gas development requires coordinated growth across upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.
Similarly, Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, welcomed the ambition of the Plan, stating that it aligns with core operating principles required to sustain long-term investment in Nigeria’s gas sector.
Building on Earlier Frameworks
The Gas Master Plan 2026 builds on the Nigerian Gas Master Plan (NGMP) 2008, which laid the foundation for domestic gas utilisation and infrastructure planning. However, the updated framework places stronger emphasis on execution discipline, investor confidence, and alignment with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Programme.
NNPC Ltd said the NGMP 2026 is intended to serve as the central coordination framework for gas sector development over the next decade, guiding investment decisions, infrastructure rollout, and market integration.
As Nigeria continues to balance energy security, economic growth, and climate considerations, the Gas Master Plan 2026 positions natural gas as a transition fuel expected to drive power supply, industrialisation, job creation, and export revenue—provided implementation keeps pace with ambition.
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