NUPRC Unveils Gas Development Roadmap to Unlock 55 Trillion Cubic Feet of Untapped Reserves

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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has launched a comprehensive Gas Development Roadmap designed to unlock over 55 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of uncommitted gas reserves and attract billions of dollars in fresh investments into the country’s gas value chain.

According to the Commission, the initiative has already generated about $4.9 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) within the gas sector, signaling growing investor confidence and a renewed push toward monetising Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources.

Strategic Focus on Energy Security and Industrial Growth

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, NUPRC described the roadmap as a key policy instrument aimed at mobilising investments, enhancing gas infrastructure, and accelerating resource monetisation to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.

“The Commission has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans, unlocking nearly 9,790 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF) of reserves, 3.54 BSCF/D of gas, and attracting over $4.9 billion in CAPEX investments,” the agency stated.

Speaking at the 3rd Gas Investment Forum in Lagos, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, highlighted that the roadmap aligns with Nigeria’s strategy to transition toward a gas-driven economy capable of fueling industrial transformation.

Untapped Opportunities Worth Over 55 TCF

Nigeria’s proven gas reserves currently stand at 210.54 TCF, comprising 109.51 TCF of Non-Associated Gas (NAG) and 101.03 TCF of Associated Gas (AG).
According to Engr. Amadasu, approximately 55 TCF — or 26 percent of total reserves — remains uncommitted to any existing or planned monetisation project, presenting significant untapped opportunities for both domestic and international investors.

Sustainability Indicators: RRR at 1.56, RLI at 92.7 Years

The Commission disclosed that Nigeria’s Reserves Replacement Ratio (RRR) now stands at 1.56, reflecting a healthy replacement rate for extracted gas.
Amadasu also noted that average daily gas production reached 6.99 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF/D) in 2024, while the Reserves Life Index (RLI) is estimated at 92.7 years—an indicator of the sector’s long-term sustainability and security for investors.

The Commission’s data shows an upward trend in both reserves and production, with national gas reserves increasing from 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 210.54 TCF in 2025, and production rising from 6.91 BSCF/D to 7.61 BSCF/D over the same period.

Growing Market and Key Projects

According to NUPRC, the domestic market currently accounts for 28 percent of total gas utilisation, while export markets — primarily via LNG and the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) — take up 35 percent. Field use, including gas lift and reinjection, represents 29 percent.

The Commission is also facilitating regulatory approvals and gas supply negotiations for major projects such as:

• NLNG Train 7,

• Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Pipeline, and

• Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.

Currently, 19 active gas development projects are under monitoring by NUPRC — comprising 10 production facilities and 9 pipeline projects with a total 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.

Notably, 86 percent of new gas production is targeted at the export market, while 142 MMSCFD is dedicated to domestic supply.

Investor Confidence on the Rise

Recent NUPRC data shows renewed investor activity in Nigeria’s upstream sector. The rig count has surged from 8 in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025, underscoring stronger confidence and operational stability in the nation’s petroleum industry.

In a statement marking the Commission’s fourth anniversary, its Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, said this resurgence reflects “the successful implementation of investor-friendly reforms and improved transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory environment.”

Nigeria’s crude oil production also rose by 5.5 percent year-on-year in August 2025, averaging 1.43 million barrels per day (bpd) compared to 1.36 million bpd in the same period last year.

Bottom Line

With the Gas Development Roadmap, NUPRC aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier gas investment hub, leveraging regulatory clarity, infrastructure expansion, and investor collaboration to drive energy transition, industrial development, and economic resilience in the years ahead.