The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has introduced a new strategic framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s natural gas industry into a central pillar of economic expansion and energy security.
The initiative, known as the Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026), was officially presented on Friday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, drawing participation from government officials, energy executives and private-sector stakeholders.
Industry observers described the launch as a significant policy and implementation milestone, signalling a stronger national commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s extensive gas reserves for domestic development while enhancing the country’s position in the international energy market. The programme is designed to move beyond broad policy declarations and focus on measurable execution across the entire gas value chain — from exploration and production to distribution and end-use consumption.
Strategic Focus of the Plan
According to NNPC Ltd, the NGMP 2026 outlines a structured pathway for converting natural gas resources into tangible economic value. Key pillars of the framework include infrastructure expansion, supply reliability, investment mobilisation, and the development of both domestic and export markets. The company stated that the plan emphasises operational efficiency, commercial sustainability and coordinated industry participation as essential elements for long-term success.
In an official statement released by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the initiative was described as a shift toward disciplined implementation rather than policy rhetoric. The plan is also intended to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global gas market while addressing internal energy needs such as electricity generation, transportation fuel alternatives and industrial consumption.
Government Position and Policy Alignment
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, characterised the new blueprint as a decisive transition from policy articulation to practical delivery. He noted that Nigeria possesses some of Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves and stressed that the central challenge has been converting that potential into dependable infrastructure and economic outcomes.
Ekpo highlighted that the plan aligns with the Federal Government’s broader Decade of Gas Initiative — a national programme intended to deepen gas utilisation across sectors and position the resource as a bridge fuel in Nigeria’s energy transition strategy. The minister emphasised that reliable gas supply, flexible export capabilities and strategic partnerships would be vital to achieving sustainable industrialisation and energy security.
Production Targets and Investment Goals
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Ojulari described the NGMP 2026 as an execution-focused roadmap aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s extensive hydrocarbon potential. He revealed that the country currently holds approximately 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves, with estimates suggesting the figure could rise significantly as exploration continues.
Ojulari stated that the plan supports presidential directives to increase national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. He added that the initiative is expected to stimulate more than 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas sector before the decade concludes. Priority areas include cost optimisation, reserve growth, enhanced supply for power generation, and expanded availability of compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and mini-LNG solutions for industrial and commercial use.
Industry Reception and Collaboration
Private-sector stakeholders at the event expressed optimism regarding the plan’s potential economic impact. Representatives from independent petroleum producers and multinational energy companies welcomed the structured approach, noting that a stable and transparent policy environment is crucial for attracting long-term capital and technological expertise. Industry leaders also emphasised the importance of a full value-chain strategy that connects upstream production with downstream distribution and end-user markets.
Evolution of Earlier Frameworks
The Gas Master Plan 2026 builds on the foundation of the original Nigerian Gas Master Plan introduced in 2008, which sought to maximise the economic benefits of the country’s gas reserves. The updated version reflects regulatory and market changes introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act, as well as evolving global energy trends that increasingly recognise natural gas as a transitional fuel in the shift toward cleaner energy systems.
NNPC Ltd indicated that the NGMP 2026 will serve as the principal guide for coordinated development, policy execution and value creation in Nigeria’s gas sector over the coming decade. By integrating infrastructure development, regulatory reforms and investment incentives, the framework aims to strengthen Nigeria’s energy resilience while supporting industrial growth and broader economic diversification.
Source: Africa Publicity
