The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), it has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans (FDPs), unlocking investments worth over $4.9 billion in capital expenditure.
The commission also revealed that its regulatory initiatives have unlocked about 9,790 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF) of gas reserves and 3.54 BSCF per day of gas output.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Gbenga Komolafe, made the disclosure while addressing participants at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos. Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, Enorense Amadasu, said the commission is focused on driving gas development, monetisation, and infrastructure expansion to strengthen Nigeria’s energy future and economic transformation.
He stated that Nigeria’s proven gas reserves currently stand at 210.54 trillion cubic feet (TCF), comprising 109.51 TCF of Non-Associated Gas and 101.03 TCF of Associated Gas. Of this total, about 55 TCF—representing 26 per cent of reserves—remains uncommitted to existing or planned projects, presenting vast opportunities for both local and international investors.
Komolafe noted that the country’s annual average daily gas production in 2024 stood at 6.99 BSCF/D, with a Reserves Replacement Ratio (RRR) of 1.56 and a Reserves Life Index (RLI) of 92.7 years, underscoring the sector’s long-term viability. He said national gas reserves grew from 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 210.54 TCF in 2025, while gas production increased from 6.91 BSCF/D to 7.61 BSCF/D, showing steady growth across the value chain.
According to him, the domestic market currently absorbs about 28 per cent of total gas utilisation, while exports via LNG and the West African Gas Pipeline account for 35 per cent, and field use—including gas lift and reinjection—makes up 29 per cent.
Komolafe highlighted that Nigeria’s gas development framework has been shaped by a series of key policy and regulatory instruments, including the Associated Gas Re-injection Act (1979), National Gas Policy (2008), Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations (2018), and the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). He said newer measures such as the Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations (2022), Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives) Order (2024) have further strengthened the commission’s pro-investment stance.
He also revealed that NUPRC is facilitating approvals and negotiations for major upstream gas supply projects, including the NLNG Train 7, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Pipeline, and the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.
Currently, the commission is monitoring 19 active gas development projects — 10 production facilities and 9 pipeline projects — with a combined capacity of 3.55 BSCF/D. About 88 per cent of these projects are in the engineering phase, while 12 per cent have advanced to construction or fabrication.
Komolafe further explained that 86 per cent of new gas production is targeted at the export market, especially feed gas supply to the Nigeria LNG, while 23 per cent (142 MMSCF/D) is designated for the domestic market.
He reaffirmed that NUPRC’s regulatory roadmap aligns with the federal government’s National Gas Policy and Energy Transition Plan, which promote clean energy, decarbonisation, and inclusive economic growth.
The commission, he said, is working to attract new investments by removing entry barriers through the PIA’s “drill or drop” provision, implementing the Decade of Gas Initiative, promoting cluster and nodal gas infrastructure, and hosting a gas production ramp-up strategy workshop in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Komolafe concluded that Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its energy journey—one that requires innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment to fully harness its vast gas potential.
