NNPC Ltd Launches Gas Master Plan 2.0 …Ekpo Says Milestone Aligns With Nigeria’s Development Goals

In a major step toward repositioning Nigeria’s gas sector as a catalyst for industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable economic growth, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially unveiled its Gas Master Plan 2026, also known as NGMP 2026.

The unveiling took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the event marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s energy transition journey. It reflects the Federal Government’s determination to convert the nation’s vast gas resources into concrete economic value, expanded infrastructure, and enhanced global competitiveness, in line with long-term national development objectives.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan as a clear shift from policy formulation to structured and disciplined execution, anchored on commercial sustainability and coordinated sector-wide implementation.
Ekpo stated that the launch represents more than the presentation of a policy document, stressing that it signals a decisive move toward an integrated, commercially focused, and execution-driven gas sector aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations.
“Nigeria is essentially a gas nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been the availability of resources, but the ability to translate that potential into reliable supply, economic value, and measurable outcomes for our people. This Gas Master Plan directly addresses that challenge,” he said.
The Minister added that the Plan’s emphasis on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, market flexibility for both domestic and export markets, and strategic partnerships is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative. According to him, this positions natural gas as the foundation of Nigeria’s energy security, industrial growth, and just energy transition.
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold and execution-focused roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s vast gas potential and position the country as a globally competitive gas hub.
Ojulari noted that Nigeria has 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 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-led energy transition agenda provide a strong framework to maximise these resources.
According to him, the Plan is structured not only to meet but exceed the Presidential mandate of raising national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while attracting over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas value chain within the same period.
He explained that the Plan prioritises cost efficiency, operational excellence, and the systematic progression of gas resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves. It also strengthens gas supply to power generation, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), mini-LNG projects, and critical industrial consumers.
Reaffirming his commitment as the Chief Sponsor of the initiative, Ojulari said NNPC Ltd has adopted a more collaborative and investor-friendly approach in developing the NGMP 2026, 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 Plan as a timely boost for the Nigerian economy.
“This initiative provides the needed momentum to bridge the gap between policy intent and practical execution. Gas development thrives along the entire value chain, from upstream production to end users. As IPPG members, we reaffirm our full support for this initiative,” Falade said.
Also speaking, 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. He said TotalEnergies supports the core operating principles of the Plan and its long-term vision for the gas sector.
The Gas Master Plan 2026 is expected to serve as the central framework for coordinated gas sector development, disciplined execution, and sustained value creation over the next decade.
The NGMP 2026 builds on the Nigerian Gas Master Plan first introduced in 2008, which was designed to maximise the economic benefits of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources. A key feature of the updated Plan is its strong alignment with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme, ensuring coherence with national energy and economic priorities.