NUPRC secures $4.9bn investment to boost non-associated gas development

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that it has attracted more than $4.9 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments into the country’s Non-Associated Gas (NAG) sector since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to the Commission, over 25 NAG Field Development Plans have been approved within this period, unlocking approximately 9,790 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF) of gas reserves and 3.54 BSCF per day of production potential.

The disclosure was made by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum in Lagos. Represented by the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, Komolafe also unveiled a comprehensive regulatory roadmap designed to unlock over 55 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of uncommitted gas reserves and attract further multi-billion-dollar investments into Nigeria’s gas value chain.

Amadasu noted that Nigeria’s proven gas reserves currently stand at 210.54 TCF, comprising 109.51 TCF of Non-Associated Gas and 101.03 TCF of Associated Gas.

Of this volume, about 55 TCF, representing 26 percent of total reserves, remain uncommitted to any existing or planned monetisation projects — presenting vast investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, Amadasu revealed that Nigeria achieved an average daily gas production of 6.99 BSCF in 2024, with a Reserves Replacement Ratio (RRR) of 1.56 and a Reserves Life Index (RLI) of 92.7 years, demonstrating long-term sustainability for investors.

He stated that national gas reserves rose from 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 210.54 TCF in 2025, while production increased from 6.91 BSCF/D to 7.61 BSCF/D, showing steady growth across the value chain.

Currently, the domestic market consumes 28 percent of total gas output, 35 percent is exported through LNG and WAGP, and 29 percent is used for field operations such as gas lift and reinjection.

Highlighting key policy and regulatory milestones, Amadasu referenced several landmark instruments that have shaped Nigeria’s gas development journey — including the Associated Gas Re-injection Act (1979), National Gas Policy (2008), Flare Gas Regulations (2018), the Decade of Gas Initiative, and the PIA (2021).

He added that recent frameworks such as the Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations (2022), Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives) Order (2024) further strengthen the Commission’s pro-investment stance.

Amadasu disclosed that the NUPRC is currently facilitating approvals and negotiations for major upstream gas supply projects, including NLNG Train 7, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Pipeline, and the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.

He also revealed that the Commission is monitoring 19 active gas development projects — comprising 10 production facilities and 9 pipeline projects — with a combined capacity of 3.55 BSCF/D.

About 88 percent of these are in the engineering phase, while 12 percent have advanced to construction or fabrication.

According to him, 86 percent of new gas production is geared towards export markets, particularly as feed gas for Nigeria LNG, while 142 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) — about 23 percent — is designated for the domestic market.

Amadasu emphasized that the Commission’s roadmap aligns with the Federal Government’s National Gas Policy and Energy Transition Plan, which promote clean energy adoption, decarbonization, and inclusive economic growth.

He noted that NUPRC is working to eliminate entry barriers for investors through provisions in the PIA such as “drill or drop”, while also driving the Decade of Gas Initiative, facilitating access to fiscal incentives, promoting cluster-based gas infrastructure, and organizing a Gas Production Ramp-Up Strategy Workshop before the end of 2025.

“Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy journey — one that demands innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment,” Amadasu concluded.