NNPC unveils execution-focused gas master plan to power Nigeria’s energy transition

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially unveiled its Gas Master Plan 2026, tagged NGMP 2026, as part of sustained efforts to reposition Nigeria’s gas sector as the engine room for industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable economic growth.

According to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC, Andy Odeh, the unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja, marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy transition journey, underscoring the Federal Government’s determination to convert the nation’s vast gas resources into tangible economic value, infrastructure expansion, and enhanced global competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo described the Gas Master Plan as a strategic shift from policy formulation to disciplined execution, driven by commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.

Ekpo said the launch of the Plan represents more than the presentation of a policy document, stressing that it reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to building a commercially driven, execution-focused gas sector aligned with the country’s long-term development aspirations.

“Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations. Nigeria is fundamentally a gas nation.
With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation — translating resources into a reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people,” he said.

The Minister noted that the Gas Master Plan’s emphasis on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.

In his address, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari described the NGMP 2026 as a bold and execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s vast gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.

Ojulari disclosed that Nigeria currently holds about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves, with an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, making it one of the most significant hydrocarbon basins globally.

He added that the Plan is reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.

“The Plan is structured not just to deliver, but to exceed the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030,” Ojulari said.

He explained that NGMP 2026 prioritises cost optimisation, operational excellence, and the systematic maturation of gas resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Mini-LNG projects, and key industrial off-takers.

Reaffirming his role as Chief Sponsor of the initiative, the NNPC Ltd GCEO said the company has adopted a more collaborative and investor-centric approach in shaping the Plan, ensuring strong alignment with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, described the Gas Master Plan as a critical boost to Nigeria’s economy, noting that it bridges the gap between policy intent and practical outcomes.

“Gas thrives on a value chain, from upstream to offtakers. As IPPG members, we reiterate our commitment and support to this initiative,” Falade said.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, commended NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the Gas Master Plan, assuring of his organisation’s support for its core operating principles.

The Gas Master Plan 2026 is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade. It builds on the Nigerian Gas Master Plan of 2008, while introducing a stronger execution focus and full alignment with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme.