Nigeria Sets Execution Roadmap for Gas Infrastructure Expansion
Nigeria’s NNPC has launched its Gas Master Plan 2026, targeting higher gas production, expanded infrastructure and more than $60 billion in new investment as the country advances its Decade of Gas strategy.
(P&GJ) — Nigeria’s state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd) has unveiled its Gas Master Plan 2026, outlining a strategy to expand natural gas supply, accelerate infrastructure development and position gas as the backbone of the country’s energy security and industrial growth.
The plan, launched Jan. 30 at NNPC Towers in Abuja, updates Nigeria’s original Gas Master Plan issued in 2008 and aligns with the federal government’s Decade of Gas Initiative. It is designed to move Nigeria’s gas sector from policy development toward execution, with an emphasis on commercial viability and coordinated investment.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo said the plan marks a shift toward disciplined delivery across the gas value chain.
“Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector, aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations. Nigeria is fundamentally a gas Nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation: translating resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people. The Gas Master Plan speaks directly to this challenge.”
Ekpo said the plan’s focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion and domestic and export market flexibility supports Nigeria’s energy transition goals while strengthening industrial development.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari described the Gas Master Plan 2026 as an execution-focused roadmap aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s gas resources and strengthening its position in global energy markets.
“The Plan is structured not just to deliver – but to exceed – the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030.”
Ojulari said Nigeria holds about 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, with upside potential of up to 600 trillion cubic feet, and that the plan prioritizes cost optimization, operational efficiency and advancing resources toward bankable reserves. He added that the strategy strengthens gas supply to power generation, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, mini-LNG and industrial customers.
The plan was developed with increased engagement from industry stakeholders and investors, according to NNPC, reflecting a more collaborative approach to gas-sector development.
Industry groups welcomed the initiative. Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group Chairman Adegbite Falade said the plan could help bridge gaps between policy and execution.
“This is giving a shot in the arm to the economy which will bridge the gap between intent and reality. Gas thrives on value chain, from upstream to offtakers. As IPPG members, we reiterate our commitment and support to this initiative.”
TotalEnergies Nigeria Managing Director Matthieu Bouyer, who also chairs the Oil Producers Trade Section, said his organization supports the plan’s operating principles.
The Gas Master Plan 2026 is expected to guide coordinated gas development and investment over the next decade, with a focus on execution discipline and long-term value creation.