The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has unveiled plans to increase Nigeria’s gas production to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2030, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s position in the global energy market.
The NNPC gas production target was disclosed by the company’s Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, during the 2026 Gas Technology and Exhibition Conference (GASTECH) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Under the ambitious plan, NNPC aims to raise Nigeria’s proven gas reserves from more than 215 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) to over 600 Tcf. The company is also targeting production of 10 Bcf/d by 2027 before reaching its 12 Bcf/d goal in 2030.
Speaking during a panel session titled “The New LNG Order: Leadership Strategies for Energy Security and Growth,” Ogunleye said the strategy would focus on unlocking the country’s vast gas resources through commercial investment and improved infrastructure.
He explained that the company’s Gas Master Plan would serve as a framework for closing the gap between Nigeria’s existing gas reserves and its production potential.
“Gas development and monetisation from Nigeria’s standpoint is a purely commercial play,” Ogunleye said.
According to him, the plan is designed to transform Nigeria’s gas resources into greater domestic energy supply, industrial growth and export earnings.
Ogunleye said the country’s gas development strategy would be guided by the Petroleum Industry Act, the Decade of Gas Framework and the Gas Master Plan, with stronger coordination across the industry.
He stressed that Nigeria’s domestic gas needs and export ambitions could be pursued simultaneously.
While liquefied natural gas exports would generate foreign exchange, increased domestic gas utilisation could support industrialisation, job creation and improved energy security.
The NNPC gas production target comes at a time when global energy markets are experiencing changes driven by geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and rising demand for dependable LNG supplies.
Ogunleye noted that Nigeria already had an established presence in the international LNG market through Nigeria LNG Limited, whose first six production trains have a combined capacity of approximately 22 million tonnes per annum.
He added that the facility had exported more than 6,000 LNG cargoes since operations began in 1999.
The NNPC executive further disclosed that Train 7, which is currently under development, was expected to be completed in 2027. The project is expected to increase Nigeria’s LNG production capacity and strengthen its competitiveness in the global market.
Beyond expanding production, Ogunleye highlighted Nigeria’s geographical advantage, noting that the country could serve both Atlantic Basin and Asian markets.
He also pointed to the investment opportunities created by the Petroleum Industry Act and other fiscal incentives aimed at encouraging new LNG projects.
According to him, improved security, competitive gas pricing and reliable supply would be essential to attracting investors and financiers to Nigeria’s gas industry.
He urged investors to take advantage of the evolving policy environment and participate in the development of the country’s LNG sector.
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