Nigeria’s Gas Production Climbs to 7.93bcf/d in May 2026

Nigeria’s average daily natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day in May 2026, showing a modest but important improvement in the country’s gas output.

The latest figure represents a 0.63 per cent increase from the 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025, according to fresh data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

Although production slipped slightly from 7.94bcf/d in April 2026, the May figure shows that Nigeria’s gas sector has maintained a stable upward trend in recent months. It also reflects the Federal Government’s renewed focus on natural gas as a major tool for energy security, industrial growth and economic diversification.

The NUPRC data shows that Nigeria’s year-to-date average gas production stood at 7.87bcf/d in May. This is higher than the 7.82bcf/d average recorded in the first quarter of the year.

Production has improved steadily since the beginning of 2026. Output rose from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February and 7.85bcf/d in March. It then increased to 7.94bcf/d in April before easing marginally to 7.93bcf/d in May.

Non-Associated Gas Leads Production

A closer look at the May figures shows that Non-Associated Gas slightly outperformed Associated Gas during the month.

Associated Gas production stood at 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas contributed 3.98bcf/d.

This development points to the growing importance of dedicated gas projects in Nigeria’s energy mix. Non-Associated Gas comes from fields developed mainly for gas production, unlike Associated Gas, which is produced alongside crude oil.

The increasing share of Non-Associated Gas suggests that Nigeria is gradually shifting toward a more deliberate gas development model. This is important for a country seeking to reduce its dependence on crude oil and unlock more value from its huge gas reserves.

The NUPRC said the stronger contribution from Non-Associated Gas reflects the maturation of dedicated gas projects designed to expand Nigeria’s production base and improve long-term supply.

Exports Remain Strong as Domestic Demand Grows

Nigeria continued to direct its gas output toward exports, domestic sales and field operations in May.

Export sales stood at 3.07bcf/d, accounting for about 40 per cent of total gas production. Domestic gas sales rose to 2.18bcf/d, representing 26.6 per cent of total utilisation.

Another 2.11bcf/d, or 26.5 per cent of output, went into field operations and own use. Gas flaring stood at 0.57bcf/d, representing 6.9 per cent of total production.

The rise in domestic gas sales supports the government’s agenda to use gas for power generation, industrial development, manufacturing and cleaner energy access.

Nigeria has repeatedly described gas as its transition fuel. This means the country sees natural gas as a bridge between its current dependence on oil and its long-term move toward cleaner energy sources.

Gas Utilisation Stays Above 90 Per Cent

The NUPRC also reported that Nigeria utilised about 92 per cent of its natural gas production between January and April 2026.

During that four-month period, the country produced 947.78 billion standard cubic feet of gas. Out of this volume, 872.69 billion standard cubic feet was used for domestic supply, exports and field operations.

However, 57.34 billion standard cubic feet was still flared within the same period.

Monthly utilisation remained above 91 per cent, while flaring accounted for between 6 and 7 per cent of output. This shows progress in reducing waste, even though gas flaring remains a major challenge.

Nigeria has committed to ending routine gas flaring by 2030. To achieve this target, the country must continue to invest in infrastructure that captures, processes and transports gas that would otherwise be wasted.

Gas Roadmap Targets 55 Trillion Cubic Feet

Nigeria is pushing to expand its gas sector through new policy reforms and investment programmes.

In October, the NUPRC unveiled a Gas Development Roadmap aimed at unlocking more than 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves. The roadmap is also expected to attract billions of dollars in fresh investment across the gas value chain.

The plan covers gas production, processing, transportation, domestic supply and export expansion.

Nigeria holds one of Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet. These reserves give the country a major opportunity to diversify its economy beyond crude oil.

For decades, oil has dominated government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. But gas is increasingly becoming a central part of Nigeria’s energy and industrial strategy.

Why This Matters for the Economy

Higher gas production could support electricity generation, reduce energy costs for industries and create new investment opportunities in petrochemicals, fertiliser, manufacturing and liquefied natural gas.

It could also improve Nigeria’s export earnings at a time when the country needs stronger foreign exchange inflows.

However, Nigeria still faces major constraints. These include weak pipeline infrastructure, insecurity around energy assets, delayed investments, pricing concerns and persistent gas flaring.

The May 2026 production data shows progress, but it also highlights the need for deeper reforms and faster project execution.

If Nigeria can sustain production growth, reduce flaring and expand domestic utilisation, natural gas could become one of the strongest pillars of the country’s next phase of economic growth.