Gas set to drive industrialization, power stability, and economic diversification as NNPC charts a roadmap for growth and investment by 2026
By Joy Onu
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially launched its Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026), with Board Chairman Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida calling on local and international investors to partner with Nigeria in developing its vast gas resources.
Speaking at the launch held at NNPC Towers in Abuja, Engineer Kida described the unveiling as “a landmark moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s energy future” and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to accelerating gas development as a driver of economic growth and national stability.
“Gas is not just part of Nigeria’s energy mix, but a catalyst for industrialisation, power stability, economic diversification, environmental responsibility, and for positioning Nigeria as a global player in the new energy era,” he said. He noted that the Plan aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, which positions natural gas as the engine of Nigeria’s growth. “This NNPC Gas Master Plan provides the structured pathway through which that declaration becomes deliverable,” Engineer Kida added.
The Chairman highlighted Nigeria’s substantial gas reserves, currently estimated at 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas and up to 600 Tcf of potential resources, making the country one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon basins. The Plan aims to increase production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while attracting over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas value chain.
Engineer Kida commended the management team, led by Group CEO Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for driving the initiative “with clarity of purpose, technical depth, and national vision.” He added, “The dedication, intellectual rigour, and tireless work invested in developing these initiatives underscore the company’s transformation into a forward-looking, commercially agile, and nationally responsive energy company.”
A central message of the launch was a direct appeal to investors: “Nigeria’s gas opportunity is vast, with an expanding demand market. We invite you to join us and seize the opportunity to turn this blueprint into projects, industries, and into shared prosperity,” Engineer Kida said. “Together, we can unlock the infrastructure, technologies, upstream developments, and industrial ecosystems that will define Nigeria’s economic future.”
He also reaffirmed the Board’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic mandate. “Our desire is for Nigeria’s gas to continue to be a source of pride, prosperity, and progress for every citizen. The NNPC Gas Master Plan we launch today charts that path,” he said.
The launch drew industry leaders from across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Plan as “a deliberate shift from policy formulation to disciplined execution,” adding that “Nigeria’s challenge has never been potential but translation – converting resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes.”
NNPCL Group CEO, Engr. Bashir Ojulari, called the Gas Master Plan “a bold, execution-driven roadmap” structured to deliver and exceed the Presidential mandate, emphasising the company’s collaborative, investor-focused approach.
Industry bodies also welcomed the initiative. The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, said the Plan would “bridge the gap between intent and reality” and give “a shot in the arm to the economy.” Similarly, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, commended NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the Plan and affirmed support for its core principles.
As the launch wrapped up, Engineer Kida thanked all stakeholders and called for continued engagement. “This is more than a plan, it is a pathway. Together, we will turn Nigeria’s gas potential into tangible growth, strengthened by partnership and guided by shared ambition,” he said.
The Gas Master Plan 2026 builds on the Nigerian Gas Master Plan of 2008 and aligns fully with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme. It is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, disciplined execution, and sustainable value creation over the next decade.
