Nigeria’s gas output hits 7.5bcf/d, targets 12bcf/d by 2030 — Ubong
Nigeria’s gas production has increased from about 6.8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2023 to 7.5bcf/d in 2025, according to the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Mr. Ed Ubong.
Speaking at the Decade of Gas and World Bank Ministerial Roundtable and Workshop in Abuja, Ubong attributed the growth to collaboration among government institutions, regulators, investors, and industry players.
He said Nigeria is targeting up to 12bcf/d of gas supply by 2030 as part of efforts to scale up production and strengthen regional energy cooperation.
Ubong emphasised the need for collaboration among African countries, development partners, and private investors to unlock the continent’s gas potential.
He acknowledged the presence of stakeholders, including ministers from across Africa, representatives of the World Bank, sponsors of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, and key regulators such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
According to him, the stakeholders are expected to advance funding discussions, particularly with the World Bank, to accelerate gas infrastructure and development projects across Africa.
He outlined the objectives of the roundtable, noting that sessions would include presentations on Africa’s gas landscape, including insights from McKinsey, as well as workshops focused on collaboration between the World Bank and project sponsors.
Ubong recalled that the Federal Government declared 2021 to 2030 as the “Decade of Gas,” positioning gas as a key component of Nigeria’s energy mix.
He added that Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently promoted gas as a driver of economic growth under the “Gas for Nigeria’s Prosperity” initiative.
Ubong explained that a dedicated secretariat was established in 2023 to coordinate implementation, focusing on unlocking gas reserves, expanding infrastructure, ensuring competitive pricing, and building capacity.
He identified gas-to-power and increased liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) adoption as priority areas aimed at improving electricity supply and promoting cleaner energy.
According to him, several upstream operators have taken Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) on major gas projects, signalling continued investment in the sector.
He disclosed that over 215 gas demand projects are being tracked within the NMDPRA’s centralised database to enhance planning and execution.
Ubong said Nigeria is also positioning itself as a hub for a regional gas ecosystem in West Africa, stressing the need for alignment on supply, demand, and infrastructure.
He noted that key projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, would enhance regional connectivity.
On infrastructure, he said Nigeria has identified 16 critical pipeline projects requiring about $22bn in investment, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships.
Ubong also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reducing gas flaring in line with global environmental standards.
On domestic consumption, he said Nigeria aims to increase LPG usage from 1.8M tonnes per annum to 3M tonnes by 2030, with plans to distribute over 5M gas cylinders nationwide.
He said sustained collaboration remains essential to achieving Nigeria’s gas ambitions and energy security goals.
“This platform provides an opportunity to deepen partnerships, strengthen regional cooperation, and accelerate delivery,” Ubong said.
“Africa’s energy future depends on our ability to work together across borders, institutions, and value chains to achieve shared prosperity.”