The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has unveiled its 2026 Gas Master Plan (NGMP 2026), aiming to transform Nigeria’s gas sector into a key driver of industrial growth, energy security, and economic development.
The launch, held on January 30 at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, signals a strategic move in Nigeria’s energy transition, with the federal government seeking to turn the country’s vast gas reserves into economic value and enhanced infrastructure.
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), described the initiative as a shift from policy-making to practical, execution-focused strategies that prioritize commercial viability and sector-wide coordination.
“Today marks more than just the presentation of a document,” Ekpo said. “It represents a deliberate focus on building a gas sector that is commercially driven, coordinated, and aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development goals. Our challenge has never been a lack of resources but converting them into tangible benefits for our economy and citizens.”
The NGMP 2026 emphasizes reliable supply, infrastructure expansion, market flexibility, and strategic partnerships, complementing the federal government’s Decade of Gas Initiative. The plan positions natural gas as central to Nigeria’s industrial growth and energy transition.
NNPC’s Group Chief Executive, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the plan as a bold roadmap to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential and boost global competitiveness. He highlighted that Nigeria has about 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, with the potential to reach 600 trillion cubic feet.
“The plan is designed to surpass the presidential target of increasing gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030,” Ojulari stated. “It also aims to attract over $60 billion in investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030.”
The NGMP 2026 focuses on operational efficiency, cost optimization, and the conversion of resources into commercially bankable reserves. It also seeks to expand gas supply for power generation, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Mini-LNG, and other industrial users.
Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative. Adegbite Falade, Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG), called it a “major boost to the economy” and affirmed support for the plan’s implementation. Matthieu Bouyer, Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, also pledged backing for NNPC’s strategy.
The NGMP 2026 updates the 2008 Gas Master Plan and serves as the central framework for coordinated gas sector development, long-term value creation, and execution discipline. The initiative highlights the federal government’s commitment to positioning natural gas at the heart of Nigeria’s economic and industrial strategy.
