By Boluwatife Oshadiya| June 16, 2026
Key Points
- Nigeria’s gas production increased to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day in May 2026
- Domestic gas sales rose to 2.18bcf/d as local demand strengthened
- Gas flaring accounted for 6.9 per cent of production, continuing a gradual downward trend
Main Story
Nigeria’s daily natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, supported by stronger domestic demand and increasing contributions from non-associated gas fields, according to new data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The figure represents a 0.63 per cent increase from the 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025, although production declined marginally from the 7.94bcf/d reported in April 2026.
Data published by the regulator showed that associated gas production contributed 3.96bcf/d, while non-associated gas production accounted for 3.98bcf/d, highlighting the growing role of dedicated gas projects in Nigeria’s energy mix.
Domestic gas sales rose to 2.18bcf/d from 2.03bcf/d recorded in the previous period, reflecting rising demand from power generation companies, industrial users and gas-based manufacturing firms. Export sales, however, declined to 3.07bcf/d from 4.13bcf/d.
The report also showed that 2.11bcf/d was utilised for field operations and own-use activities, while 0.57bcf/d was flared. Overall, Nigeria utilised roughly 92 per cent of the natural gas produced between January and April 2026, demonstrating progress in efforts to reduce waste and maximise commercial value from gas resources.
The latest figures support the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, which seeks to position natural gas as a transition fuel capable of driving industrialisation, improving energy security and boosting export earnings.
Nigeria holds more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, making it one of Africa’s largest gas-rich nations. However, infrastructure constraints and limited domestic processing capacity continue to hinder full commercial utilisation.
What’s Being Said
“The growth in domestic gas utilisation reflects the increasing importance of natural gas in powering industrial development and supporting Nigeria’s energy transition objectives,” the NUPRC stated in its latest production data release.
Energy analysts say the growing contribution of non-associated gas production indicates that investments in dedicated gas infrastructure are beginning to deliver results, reducing reliance on oil-linked gas output and improving supply stability.
What’s Next
- Industry stakeholders will monitor whether domestic gas demand continues to grow through the second half of 2026.
- The Federal Government is expected to accelerate gas infrastructure projects under the Decade of Gas programme.
- Regulators will continue implementing policies aimed at ending routine gas flaring by 2030.
The Bottom Line:
Nigeria’s gas sector is showing signs of steady structural improvement, with stronger domestic utilisation and growing non-associated gas production supporting long-term energy security goals. Sustained investment in infrastructure and processing capacity will determine whether the country can fully unlock the economic value of its vast gas reserves.
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