Domestic Gas Demand Powers Nigeria’s Production Surge, Hits 7.93bcf/d – Report 

Nigeria’s natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, driven by stronger domestic demand and growing output from non-associated gas fields, according to fresh data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

The latest industry report showed that gas production increased by 0.63 per cent year-on-year from 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025, reinforcing the country’s push to maximise its vast gas reserves under the Federal Government’s gas development agenda.

Data published by the commission indicated that Associated Gas contributed 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas accounted for 3.98bcf/d, highlighting the growing role of dedicated gas projects in Nigeria’s energy mix.

Although production dipped marginally from 7.94bcf/d recorded in April, output has maintained a steady upward trend since the beginning of the year, rising from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.93bcf/d in May.

A key highlight of the report was the rise in domestic gas consumption. Gas sales to the local market climbed to 2.18bcf/d from 2.03bcf/d in April, reflecting increasing demand from the power sector, industries and gas-based manufacturing firms.

In contrast, export sales declined to 3.07bcf/d, down from 4.13bcf/d in the previous month, accounting for about 40 per cent of total production.

The report further revealed that 2.11bcf/d was utilised for field operations and own-use activities, while 0.57bcf/d was flared, representing 6.9 per cent of total production.

The figures suggest continued progress in Nigeria’s campaign to reduce routine gas flaring and unlock greater economic value from its natural gas resources.

Further analysis showed that Nigeria utilised about 92 per cent of the 947.78 billion standard cubic feet of gas produced between January and April 2026, with only a small portion lost to flaring.

Domestic supply remained robust throughout the review period, while export volumes continued to support Nigeria’s position as a major player in the global gas market.

The performance aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative aimed at boosting domestic utilisation, expanding gas infrastructure and reducing environmental losses associated with routine gas flaring.

With proven gas reserves estimated at more than 200 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest gas producers, though challenges including infrastructure gaps and limited utilisation capacity continue to constrain the sector’s full potential.