The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has launched the Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026), a strategic blueprint aimed at transforming Nigeria’s gas sector into a catalyst for industrialisation, energy security and sustainable economic growth.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, January 30, 2026, signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy transition, reflecting the Federal Government’s determination to convert the country’s vast gas reserves into economic value, expanded infrastructure and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the NGMP 2026 as a decisive move from policy development to disciplined execution, driven by commercial viability and sector-wide coordination.

He noted that Nigeria’s strength as a gas-rich nation has always been evident, but the key challenge lies in effectively translating resources into dependable supply, infrastructure into economic value, and policies into tangible outcomes. According to him, the Gas Master Plan directly addresses these gaps.

Ekpo added that the plan’s focus on supply reliability, infrastructure development, market flexibility and partnerships aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning gas as a cornerstone of energy security, industrial expansion and the energy transition.

Also speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described NGMP 2026 as a bold, execution-driven roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s gas potential and position the country as a globally competitive gas hub.

Ojulari disclosed that Nigeria holds about 210 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, with potential volumes reaching up to 600 trillion cubic feet, making it one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon basins. He said the plan is anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act and the government’s gas-led transition agenda.

According to him, the NGMP 2026 is structured to surpass the Presidential target of raising 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 by 2030.

He explained that the plan prioritises cost efficiency, operational excellence and the conversion of gas resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while expanding gas supply to power generation, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Mini-LNG projects and key industrial users.

Ojulari reaffirmed his commitment as Chief Sponsor of the initiative, noting that the NGMP 2026 was developed through extensive collaboration with industry stakeholders, adopting an investor-friendly approach.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Adegbite Falade, described the plan as a significant boost to the Nigerian economy, stating that it would help bridge the gap between policy intent and practical outcomes.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, commended NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the plan and pledged his organisation’s support.

The Gas Master Plan 2026 is expected to serve as the central framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline and long-term value creation. It builds on the Nigerian Gas Master Plan 2008 and aligns closely with the Decade of Gas Programme, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to placing natural gas at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy.