The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced an ambitious plan to grow Nigeria’s proven gas reserves from 215 trillion cubic feet (tcf) to more than 600 tcf and increase national gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2030.
The plan is part of the company’s broader strategy to position Nigeria as a major global gas hub while using its abundant gas resources to drive industrialisation, strengthen energy security and expand export earnings.
NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, disclosed the plans on Monday during a panel session titled, “The New LNG Order: Leadership Strategies for Energy Security and Growth,” at the ongoing 2026 Gas Technology & Exhibition Conference (GASTECH) in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to a statement issued by NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, Ogunleye said the company was building on Nigeria’s more than 215 tcf of proven gas reserves while implementing a Gas Master Plan (GMP) designed to unlock the country’s wider gas potential.
“Gas development and monetisation from Nigeria’s standpoint is a purely commercial play. NNPC Ltd. is implementing a Gas Master Plan (GMP) engineered as a gap-to-potential tool to move Nigeria from a 215 tcf reserves position to above 600 tcf,” Ogunleye stated.
He said the strategy was being driven by stronger coordination and supported by key national policy frameworks, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Decade of Gas Framework and the Gas Master Plan.
The company has set an interim target of increasing national gas production to 10 Bcf/d by 2027 before reaching 12 Bcf/d by 2030.
“He explained that the company’s focus is hinged on reinforcing coordination, anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Decade of Gas Framework and the GMP, with the near-term target to ramp up national production of gas to 10 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030,” the statement partly read.
Nigeria Eyes Bigger Role in Global LNG Market
Ogunleye noted that Nigeria already has a strong presence in the international gas market, pointing to Nigeria LNG Limited’s existing operations.
He cited the Nigeria LNG Trains 1-6, which collectively produce 22 million tonnes per annum and have exported more than 6,000 LNG cargoes since operations began in 1999.
He added that Train 7 is expected to be completed in 2027, further strengthening Nigeria’s LNG production capacity.
According to Ogunleye, Nigeria’s strategic location gives it an advantage in supplying both Atlantic Basin and Asian markets. This geographical position, combined with the country’s substantial gas resources, could help Nigeria expand its influence in the global gas industry.
NNPC Seeks Balance Between Domestic Use and Exports
The NNPC executive also stressed that increasing gas exports would not come at the expense of domestic consumption.
He said Nigeria was pursuing a dual approach that would allow the country to generate foreign exchange through LNG exports while simultaneously increasing the use of gas at home.
The strategy, he explained, is expected to support industrial development, create employment opportunities, strengthen energy security and improve economic wellbeing.
Ogunleye also highlighted the role of Nigeria’s regulatory and fiscal environment in attracting investment into new LNG developments.
He said the country had taken steps to de-risk new LNG projects through a strengthened legal and regulatory framework, alongside fiscal incentives designed to make investments more attractive.
“With continued efforts towards stable security, competitive gas pricing and assured gas supply, there is no better time for investors and financiers to confidently participate in the development of Nigeria’s LNG projects,” Ogunleye concluded.
GASTECH Brings Global Energy Leaders Together
The 2026 GASTECH conference in Bangkok is bringing together stakeholders from across the global energy industry to discuss issues surrounding natural gas, LNG, hydrogen and low-carbon technologies.
Now in its 54th edition, the event has attracted about 50,000 participants from more than 150 countries, including energy executives, policymakers, investors, technology leaders and industry experts.
Discussions at the conference are focused on key issues shaping the future of energy, including energy security, LNG supply, infrastructure investment and decarbonisation.
For Nigeria, the ambitious gas expansion targets underscore the country’s renewed push to maximise its vast gas resources, meet growing domestic energy needs and strengthen its position in the international LNG market.
