Nigeria’s average daily natural gas production increased to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, according to the latest 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, underscoring continued growth in the country’s gas sector as the Federal Government advances efforts to make natural gas a key pillar of economic development and energy security.

Data from the commission showed that non-associated gas production slightly exceeded associated gas output during the month, highlighting the increasing role of dedicated gas development projects in Nigeria’s energy mix.

Non-associated gas production stood at 3.98bcf/d, while associated gas contributed 3.96bcf/d to total output. Overall production, however, declined marginally by 0.12 per cent from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026.

The commission reported that year-to-date average production rose to 7.87bcf/d, compared to 7.82bcf/d in the first quarter of the year.

Gas production has recorded consistent growth in recent months, increasing from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February, 7.85bcf/d in March and 7.94bcf/d in April before easing slightly to 7.93bcf/d in May.

According to the NUPRC, the growing contribution of non-associated gas reflects the progress of projects specifically developed to expand gas production and reduce reliance on associated gas from crude oil operations.

The report also showed that a substantial portion of gas output was directed towards exports, domestic consumption and operational activities in oil and gas fields.

Export sales accounted for 3.07bcf/d, representing about 40 per cent of total production. Domestic gas sales rose to 2.18bcf/d, making up 26.6 per cent of total utilisation, while 2.11bcf/d, or 26.5 per cent, was consumed for field operations and operators’ own use.

Gas flaring stood at 0.57bcf/d, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of total production.

The increase in domestic gas supply aligns with government efforts to boost electricity generation, support industrial growth and expand gas-based manufacturing through the national gas expansion programme.

The commission further disclosed that about 92 per cent of Nigeria’s natural gas production between January and April 2026 was utilised for domestic supply, exports and operational needs, indicating continued progress in reducing routine gas flaring.

During the four-month period, Nigeria produced 947.78 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf) of gas, of which 872.69Bscf was utilised across various sectors. Gas flaring accounted for 57.34Bscf during the same period, while monthly utilisation rates remained above 91 per cent.

The NUPRC noted that Nigeria is pursuing measures to maximise the value of its gas resources as part of its broader energy transition strategy.

In October, the commission introduced a Gas Development Roadmap designed to unlock more than 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves and attract fresh investments into the country’s gas industry.

Nigeria holds over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, among the largest in Africa. The Federal Government has also pledged to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030 while increasing domestic gas supply to drive industrialisation and improve power generation.