Low-cost Gas: NNPC Unveils Plan For 12bcf/d By 2030, $60bn Investments

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has launched its Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, as a low-cost roadmap to boost national gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2030 while attracting over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas sector.

Unveiled at NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, the plan positions Nigeria’s vast gas reserves—210 trillion cubic feet proven, with upside to 600 Tcf—as the driver of industrial growth, energy security, and economic expansion.

Speaking at the launch, the minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan as a deliberate pivot from policy articulation to disciplined execution, anchored on commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.

“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,” he stated.

Ekpo further noted that the Plan’s strong focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligned seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.

In his address, the NNPC group chief executive officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, highlighted its focus on cost optimisation, reliable supply to power and industries, and exceeding presidential targets of 10 Bcf/d by 2027.

Ojulari described the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.

Ojulari noted that with about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, Nigeria possesses one of the most consequential hydrocarbon basins in the world; one reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the federal government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the Plan prioritises cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.

Reaffirming his personal commitment as chief sponsor of the initiative, the NNPC Ltd GCEO stressed that the Company has adopted a more collaborative, investor-centric approach in shaping the NGMP 2026, with strong alignment to industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.

In a goodwill message at the occasion, the chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Adegbite Falade, said: “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.”

Also lending his voice to the initiative, the chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and MD of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, thanked the NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the NNPC GMP, stressing that his organisation supports the core operating principles of the Plan.

The GMP 2026 is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade.

The Gas Master Plan 2026 is an offshoot of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan (NGMP) 2008, which is a strategic framework aimed at maximising the economic benefits from the country’s abundant gas resources. Another significant dimension to the NGMP 2026 is the utmost attention to full alignment with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme.