In a bold move to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector for growth, the Federal Government has raised its gas production target to 12 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) by the year 2030. This marks a notable increase from the earlier 10 bcf/d goal.
The new target was disclosed during a strategic engagement session held by Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) with over 100 industrial gas off-takers operating in the Agbara-Ota industrial hub in Ogun State. Representing the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Team Lead for Gas, Lateef Biobaku, outlined the administration’s renewed vision for the oil and gas industry.
“Our mission is to unlock Nigeria’s full energy potential fueling economic growth, driving industrialisation, and diversifying the economy,” Biobaku stated. “We’re focused on attracting new investments that can help ramp up crude oil output to 4 million barrels per day and scale gas production to 12 bcf/d by 2030.”
Shell Nigeria Gas, in a statement released on Friday, confirmed the federal government’s updated objectives, which were shared as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial energy supply and expand local gas infrastructure.
According to recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the country produced approximately 2.5 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas in 2024. This comprised 1.44 TCF of associated gas typically found alongside oil and 1.06 TCF of non-associated gas, which is produced from gas-only fields.
Out of the total volume produced, 2.31 TCF was reportedly utilised, while about 192.89 billion standard cubic feet of gas was flared highlighting the ongoing environmental concerns tied to gas wastage.
In financial terms, Nigeria generated an estimated ₦8.6 trillion from natural gas production in 2024 alone, underscoring the sector’s critical role in national revenue generation and economic stability.
The government’s aggressive new target is seen as part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the global energy market while addressing domestic energy demand and sustainability challenges.
