The coordinating director of the decade of gas secretariat, Ed Ubong, says Nigeria’s gas production increased from about 6.8 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day in 2023 to 7.5 bcf per day in 2025.
According to a statement on Monday, Ubong made this known at the Decade of Gas and World Bank Ministerial Roundtable and Workshop held in Abuja.
He credited the growth to strong collaboration among government agencies, regulators, investors, and industry stakeholders.
Ubong added that Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to significantly boosting gas production and strengthening regional energy partnerships, with a target of supplying up to 12 bcf of gas per day by 2030.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration among African countries, development partners, and private investors to unlock the continent’s gas potential.
Ubong noted that the federal government designated 2021 to 2030 as the “decade of gas,” signalling a strategic shift toward gas as a core component of the country’s energy mix.
He said President Bola Tinubu has consistently promoted gas as a major driver of economic growth, in line with the vision of “gas for Nigeria’s prosperity”.
Ubong added that the minister of state for petroleum resources (gas) remains actively engaged with stakeholders to strengthen the value chain.
He further stated that a dedicated secretariat was fully established in 2023 to oversee and coordinate implementation.
According to him, the secretariat focuses on unlocking gas reserves, boosting demand through credible off-takers, expanding infrastructure, ensuring competitive pricing, and building capacity within the sector.
Ubong highlighted gas-to-power and increased liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage as key priorities.
He explained that gas-to-power aims to improve electricity supply, while LPG adoption is intended to replace firewood and charcoal, enhancing health and environmental outcomes.
Ubong added that several upstream operators have taken final investment decisions (FIDs) on major gas projects, with more investments expected, indicating sustained momentum in the sector.
To improve coordination, he said over 215 gas demand projects are currently tracked in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) centralised database, allowing for more efficient planning and execution.
The coordinator noted that accountability mechanisms have also been strengthened, with stakeholders monitored on project delivery and progress.
“We continue to ask a critical questions across the ecosystem—what support is required to move projects forward and unlock value for Nigeria?” he said.
Ubong further explained that a structured governance framework has been adopted, bringing together government, regulators, and industry leaders, supported by technical teams to drive implementation.
On infrastructure, he said 16 key pipeline projects requiring about $22 billion have been identified, stressing the need for public-private partnerships.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that efforts are ongoing to reduce gas flaring as production increases, in line with global standards.
Ubong said the power sector remains central to the gas agenda, requiring close coordination among key ministries, including power and finance, as well as industry operators to ensure reliable electricity supply.
On domestic consumption, he said Nigeria plans to increase LPG usage from 1.8 million tonnes per annum to 3 million tonnes by 2030.
As part of this strategy, he added that over five million gas cylinders are expected to be distributed nationwide to promote the transition to cleaner cooking energy.
Ubong noted that although significant progress has been made over the past three years, sustained collaboration remains crucial to achieving Nigeria’s gas and energy security objectives.