Nigeria’s natural gas production continued its gradual upward trajectory in May 2026, with average daily output reaching 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d), reflecting the country’s growing focus on gas development as a pillar of economic diversification and energy security.
The latest figures, released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), show that gas production increased by 0.63% compared to the 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025, underscoring steady growth in the sector despite broader challenges within the energy industry.
Although output dipped marginally from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026, overall production levels remained among the highest recorded this year, highlighting the resilience of Nigeria’s gas sector.
Non-associated gas edges ahead
According to NUPRC data, Non-Associated Gas (NAG) production slightly surpassed Associated Gas (AG) output during the month, reflecting the increasing contribution of dedicated gas development projects.
Associated Gas production stood at 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas contributed 3.98bcf/d, accounting for a slightly larger share of total output.
The commission noted that the growing importance of non-associated gas demonstrates the progress being made in developing standalone gas assets, a key component of Nigeria’s long-term strategy to diversify energy production beyond crude oil-linked resources.
Year-to-date average gas production reached 7.87bcf/d, an improvement from the 7.82bcf/d average recorded during the first quarter of 2026.
Production has maintained a broadly positive trend throughout the year, increasing from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February, 7.85bcf/d in March, 7.94bcf/d in April, before moderating slightly to 7.93bcf/d in May.
Exports and domestic consumption remain strong
Nigeria continued to allocate a substantial portion of its gas output to exports, domestic supply, and operational requirements within the oil and gas sector.
Data from the NUPRC shows that:
- Export sales reached 3.07bcf/d, accounting for approximately 40% of total gas production.
- Domestic gas sales increased to 2.18bcf/d, representing about 26.6% of total output.
- Field operations and own-use consumption accounted for 2.11bcf/d, equivalent to 26.5% of production.
- Gas flaring stood at 0.57bcf/d, representing 6.9% of total output.
The increase in domestic gas utilisation aligns with government efforts to expand gas supply to power plants, industries, and manufacturing facilities as part of the national gas expansion programme.
Industry analysts note that growing domestic gas availability is critical for improving electricity generation, supporting industrial growth, and reducing dependence on more expensive energy sources.
Progress in reducing gas flaring
The latest figures also highlight continued improvements in gas utilisation and flaring reduction.
According to the commission, Nigeria utilised approximately 92% of its natural gas production between January and April 2026, reflecting sustained progress toward minimising waste and maximising economic value from gas resources.
During the first four months of the year:
- Total gas production reached 947.78 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf).
- Approximately 872.69Bscf was utilised for exports, domestic consumption, and operational activities.
- About 57.34Bscf was flared.
Monthly utilisation rates remained above 91%, while gas flaring consistently accounted for between 6% and 7% of total production.
These figures suggest that efforts to curb routine flaring and improve gas capture infrastructure are yielding gradual results.
Government targets expansion of gas economy
Nigeria has increasingly positioned natural gas at the centre of its energy transition and economic development agenda.
The Federal Government views gas as a strategic resource capable of supporting industrialisation, expanding electricity access, boosting export earnings, and reducing reliance on crude oil revenues.
In line with these objectives, the NUPRC recently unveiled a comprehensive Gas Development Roadmap designed to unlock more than 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves and attract significant new investments across the gas value chain.
The initiative is expected to accelerate exploration, infrastructure development, processing capacity, and domestic gas utilisation.
Outlook for the sector
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest holders of proven natural gas reserves, with estimated reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet.
The country has also committed to ending routine gas flaring by 2030 while significantly increasing gas availability for domestic industrial and power generation needs.
Analysts believe continued investment in gas infrastructure, processing facilities, transportation networks, and export capacity will be crucial to achieving these objectives.
With production levels remaining stable and utilisation rates improving, the gas sector is increasingly emerging as a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term energy security, industrial development, and economic diversification strategy.
