The Nigerian Presidency says the country’s 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves are being strategically positioned to drive energy transition, economic diversification, and job creation.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to mark the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, outlined the government’s ambitious plans to harness gas for national development.
“Nigeria’s vast gas reserves are a critical asset for our energy transition. We are not only diversifying the economy but also creating thousands of jobs,” said Verheijen.
She highlighted recent milestones like the Betafield Final Investment Decision, which is set to deliver 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, and the ongoing Ubeta gas development, both aimed at boosting domestic supply.
“We’ve built on the Petroleum Industry Act through Presidential Directives 40 to 42, improving fiscal terms and restoring investor confidence,” Verheijen explained.
The Tinubu administration’s “Decade of Gas” initiative is already making strides, with 12 million homes now connected to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Infrastructure projects such as OB3, AKK, and the looping of ELPS are also underway to unlock more gas for power and industry.
“These efforts are fully aligned with our energy transition plan,” she said, adding that incentives for LPG and compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption are helping displace diesel and firewood, improving health outcomes nationwide.
To support midstream and downstream expansion, Verheijen noted the establishment of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to provide catalytic capital for critical infrastructure.“Our goal is to hit 10 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2030. Unlocking non-associated gas from deepwater fields is key to achieving that,” she stated.
She also affirmed that Nigeria’s crude oil production is currently between 1.5 and 1.7 million barrels per day, with a long-term target of reaching 4 million barrels daily.
Recently, President Tinubu signed the Upstream Petroleum Operations Cost Efficiency Incentives Order (2025), which introduces performance-based tax incentives for operators that achieve cost savings.
The move is part of a broader push to cut project costs, attract investments, and ramp up oil and gas revenue.“These reforms are creating the right environment for investment and long-term growth,” Verheijen concluded.
