Nigeria’s average daily natural gas production increased to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, marking a 0.63% year-on-year rise from the 7.88bcf/d recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the latest data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The figures underscore Nigeria’s gradual progress in expanding gas production and utilisation as the Federal Government steps up efforts to position natural gas as a cornerstone of economic growth, industrial development and energy security.
According to the NUPRC, total gas production in May stood at 7.93bcf/d, representing a marginal decline of 0.12% from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026. However, year-to-date average production improved to 7.87bcf/d, up from the 7.82bcf/d recorded in the first quarter of the year.
The commission noted that Non-Associated Gas (NAG) production slightly exceeded Associated Gas (AG) output during the month, highlighting the growing significance of dedicated gas development projects in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
It stated that Associated Gas production stood at 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas contributed 3.98bcf/d to the country’s total output.
“The growing contribution of non-associated gas reflects the maturation of dedicated gas projects aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s energy production profile,” the NUPRC said.
Data from the commission showed that gas production has sustained an upward trajectory in recent months. Output rose from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February and 7.85bcf/d in March, before climbing to 7.94bcf/d in April and moderating slightly to 7.93bcf/d in May.
Nigeria also continued to direct a substantial share of its gas output towards exports, domestic consumption and field operations.
According to the NUPRC, export sales amounted to 3.07bcf/d during the month, accounting for approximately 40% of total gas production.
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Domestic gas sales increased to 2.18bcf/d, representing 26.6% of total utilisation, while about 2.11bcf/d, or 26.5% of output, was consumed for field operations and own use.
Gas flaring accounted for 0.57bcf/d, equivalent to 6.9% of total production.
The commission said the increase in domestic gas supply aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to boost power generation, support industrial development and deepen gas-based manufacturing through its national gas expansion agenda.
It further disclosed that Nigeria utilised about 92% of its natural gas production between January and April 2026, signalling continued progress in reducing routine gas flaring.
Between January and April 2026, the country produced 947.78 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf) of gas, according to NUPRC data.
Of this volume, 872.69Bscf was utilised for domestic supply, exports and field operations, while about 57.34Bscf was flared during the period.
The figures indicate that monthly gas utilisation remained above 91%, with gas flaring accounting for between 6% and 7% of total output.
Nigeria has intensified efforts to maximise the economic value of its vast natural gas resources as part of its broader energy transition strategy and plans to diversify the economy beyond crude oil dependence.
In October, the NUPRC unveiled a comprehensive Gas Development Roadmap designed to unlock more than 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves and attract billions of dollars in fresh investments across the country’s gas value chain.
Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, presenting significant opportunities to drive industrialisation, expand electricity generation and stimulate long-term economic growth.
The country has also committed to ending routine gas flaring by 2030 while increasing domestic gas availability to support industrialisation and improve energy access nationwide.
