NNPC Ltd unveils NGMP 2026, paving the way for Nigeria’s Gas-driven industrialization
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially launched its Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, dubbed NGMP 2026, as part of its efforts to transform Nigeria’s gas sector into a key driver of industrial growth, energy security, and sustainable economic development.
The launch event, held at NNPC Towers in Abuja on January 30, 2026, signifies a critical milestone in Nigeria’s energy transition journey, highlighting the government’s commitment to leveraging the nation’s vast gas resources to drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and global competitiveness.
Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized that the Gas Master Plan represents a strategic shift from policy formulation to disciplined implementation, focusing on commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.
The NGMP 2026 is expected to play a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable economic growth.
“Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector, aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations. Nigeria is fundamentally a gas Nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation: translating resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people. The Gas Master Plan speaks directly to this challenge.”
Hon. Ekpo further noted that the Plan’s strong focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.
On his part, NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold and effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.
Speaking at the launch event, Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s significant gas reserves, with approximately 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf.
Ojulari emphasized that the Gas Master Plan 2026 is designed to drive Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable economic growth. The plan is anchored on effective execution and is expected to play a crucial role in unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential.
“The Plan is structured not just to deliver – but to exceed- the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030.”
He stressed that the NNPC Ltd’s Gas Master Plan 2026 prioritizes cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves. The plan also focuses on strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.
Engr. Ojulari, reaffirmed his commitment to the initiative, emphasizing a collaborative and investor-centric approach in shaping the NGMP 2026. The company has engaged with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors to ensure the plan’s success.
In a goodwill message at the occasion, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, said: “This is giving a shot in the arm to the economy which will bridge the gap between intent and reality. Gas thrives on value chain, from upstream to offtakers. As IPPG members, we reiterate our commitment and support to this initiative.”
Also lending his voice to the initiative, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and MD of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, thanked the NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the NNPC GMP, stressing that his organisation supports the core operating principles of the Plan.
The Gas Master Plan 2026 is poised to act as a comprehensive blueprint for synchronized gas sector growth, disciplined execution, and value generation over the next ten years.
This strategic initiative is an evolution of the original Nigerian Gas Master Plan (NGMP) 2008, designed to optimize the economic returns from Nigeria’s vast gas reserves.
A key aspect of the NGMP 2026 is its strong alignment with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme, underscoring a cohesive approach to gas sector development.
The NGMP 2026 is expected to drive Nigeria’s gas sector growth and development.
