Nigeria has taken a significant step towards harnessing its vast gas reserves to drive economic growth and industrialization with the launch of the Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026.
The plan, unveiled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), aims to position Nigeria as a major player in the global gas market.
The GMP 2026 is a strategic framework designed to maximize the economic benefits of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
With proven gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, Nigeria has one of the largest hydrocarbon basins in the world.
Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), described the plan as a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector.
“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,” he said.
Ekpo emphasized that Nigeria’s challenge has never been potential, but translation, adding that the GMP 2026 speaks directly to this challenge.
“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 reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people.”
Engr. Bashir Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, described the plan as a bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential.
“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 dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030,” he said.
Ojulari noted that the plan prioritizes cost optimization, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.
The GMP 2026 has received support from industry stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS).
Mr. Adegbite Falade, Chairman of IPPG, described the plan as a shot in the arm for the economy.
“This is giving a shot in the arm to the economy which will bridge the gap between intent and reality. Gas thrives on value chain, from upstream to offtakers,” he said.
Falade reiterated IPPG members’ commitment to the initiative, adding that the plan will have a positive impact on the economy.
“As IPPG members, we reiterate our commitment and support to this initiative,” he said.
The GMP 2026 is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade.
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