Yakubu Lawal
The priority given to the gas sector of the Petroleum industry is definitely yielding results as over $7billion investment have so far received commitment in driving different gas projects in the country.
These developments were contained in the brief by the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Hon.Ekperikpe at the weekend in Abuja noting that government’s strategy in attracting investment and boosting gas utilization both nationally and internationally is yielding impressive results.
Before this administration came on board three years ago, gas was treated as appendage under petroleum resources but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu changed the narrative by appointing a Minister of State to drive development in the gas sector.
“ We have made substantial progress, but progress is not the destination; it is the
foundation for the work ahead. The true measure of policy is sustained delivery. Mr
President’s approvals to institutionalise the Decade of Gas initiative and extend the
National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme to 2060 give us an enduring
framework for coordinated implementation, accountability and wider access to cleaner
energy.”Ekpo stated
According to him, “ this administration will therefore remain accountable for turning these approvals
—and Nigeria’s gas wealth—into reliable energy, stronger industries, more jobs and
lasting prosperity. The investment commitments now before us show that this next phase
is already taking shape.”
The Minister said “That confidence is evident in four major gas projects that have reached Final Investment Decision (FID): Iseni Project, at approximately US$122 million; Ubeta Project, at
approximately US$566 million; HI Project, at US$2 billion; and Ima Project, at US$800 million.
Together, they account for approximately US$3.5 billion in committed investment.
The approximately US$3.5 billion Brass Methanol Project has also advanced towards
Execution following resolution of its Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement. These are
not merely project milestones; they are evidence that responsible investment can
Create enduring domestic value, strengthen productive capacity and generate employment.
Our duty is clear: to raise production, build faster, mobilise greater investment, expand
clean-energy access and ensure that Nigeria’s gas wealth delivers enduring prosperity for
every Nigerian.”
On production side, Ekpo said “The numbers tell the story. Nigeria’s 2P proven gas reserves rose from approximately 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 215.19 TCF as at 1 January 2026. Average production increased from about 6.86 BCF/D to approximately 7.5 BCF/D. Domestic supply has now crossed 2 BCF/D.”
“Our near-term target is 10 BCF/D, rising to 12 BCF/D by 2030. That growth is essential to
meeting demand from power generation, industry, fertiliser and petrochemicals,
transportation, and other domestic and export markets.”
Ekpo said Nigeria LNG is also recording a strong operational recovery pointing out that at the start of this administration in 2023, nameplate capacity utilisation stood at approximately 59 per cent.
Year-to-date in 2026, but it has risen to about 87 per cent.
This development ,the Minister said will be strengthened by Train 7, now under construction and targeted for completion in June 2027 adding that the project will add approximately 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the existing 22 MTPA capacity—taking total production capacity to about 30
MTPA.
He stressed that this expansion will strengthen Nigeria’s gas-processing capability, increase export potential, support domestic LPG supply and reinforce our position in the global LNG market.
” Our governing principle is clear: from gas to prosperity. Nigeria will pursue a responsible and
realistic energy transition—one that reduces emissions, improves efficiency, safeguards
energy access and prevents the entrenchment of energy poverty.”
Ekpo stated that “The Decade of Gas initiative is the framework for this transformation. Mr President’s recent approval to institutionalise the initiative secures it as an enduring platform for policy
Co-ordination, implementation and accountability across the gas value chain. It is focused on
growing supply, creating demand, expanding infrastructure, maturing priority projects,
strengthening skills, attracting investment, reforming the market and reducing emissions.
Its purpose is practical: more reliable power; stronger industries; cleaner transport and
cooking; more jobs and skills; greater export earnings; less gas flaring; and a more diversified
economy. It is how we will turn gas into broad-based prosperity while advancing a just and
orderly energy transition.” He said.
On gas-to-power, the Minister said that “”the National Economic Council (NEC) approved approximately ₦185 billion in validated legacy debt payments owed to upstream gas producers. This is not merely about settling debt. It is about restoring commercial discipline, improving supply reliability and
rebuilding investor confidence.”
On infrastructure, he added that “ the OB3 Pipeline is 100 per cent complete. Pre-commissioning has been concluded in preparation for first gas, following completion of the technically demanding
River Niger crossing. The pipeline can carry 2 BCF/D and is expected to unlock more than 500
MMscf/D of incremental domestic supply. The AKK Pipeline is also approximately 95 per cent
complete.
The Minister said” Through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, ₦671 billion in public funds
has attracted approximately ₦1.6 trillion in private investment. That funding covers 31 projects
and 205 infrastructure assets that could deliver about 475 MMscf/D to the domestic market
when fully operational. Across the sector, our broader target remains approximately US$30
billion in gas investment by 2030.”
In transportation, EKPO said CNG conversions have risen from approximately 11,000 vehicles in 2023 to
more than 120,000 today. Our target is at least one million CNG-powered vehicles and up to
1,000 refuelling stations nationwide.
For Nigerian households, Ekpo said “ LPG access and cleaner cooking are clear policy priorities. Our
immediate ambition remains to reach 5 million households by 2030, and distribution of
27,000 free LPG cylinders per State has begun. Mr President has now approved the
extension of the National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme to 2060, creating a long-
term pathway to reach more than 10 million households and sustain nationwide adoption.”
On gas flaring, He said “ 42 companies have been awarded contracts to convert flare gas currently
being waste into energy, feedstock, LPG, CNG and power. This administration will
sustain the regulatory and commercial measures required to end routine gas flaring by
2030.”
Ekpo said his Ministry is also expanding processing, gathering and distributed gas infrastructure so that
market development does not wait for every conventional pipeline.
Ekpo declared “Our objective remains unequivocal: no stranded gas and no stranded demand”