Nigeria’s natural gas reserves have increased to 215.29 trillion cubic feet (TCF) as of January 2026, compared with 208.83 TCF recorded in 2023, according to figures presented by the Decade of Gas Secretariat.
The development represents an increase of 6.46 trillion cubic feet, or approximately 3.1 per cent, over the period.
The figures were disclosed during a media engagement organised in Kano by the Decade of Gas Secretariat in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV).
Speaking at the event, Taofeek Balogun, Workstream Lead for Infrastructure and Demand at the Decade of Gas, outlined developments in Nigeria’s gas industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Nigeria’s Daily Gas Production Rises to 7.5 Billion Cubic Feet
Balogun said average natural gas production had increased from 6.86 billion cubic feet per day to approximately 7.5 billion cubic feet per day.
He added that domestic gas supply had exceeded two billion cubic feet daily, reflecting efforts to increase the availability of gas for local industries, electricity generation and other uses.
The official also disclosed that investment commitments worth $3.5 billion had been secured across four major gas projects.
According to him, the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline had reached nearly 100 per cent completion, while work on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline was approximately 95 per cent complete.
He said about N671 billion had been spent on gas infrastructure funding, helping to attract N1.6 trillion in private-sector investment.
Nigeria Targets Five Million Households With Cooking Gas by 2030
As part of efforts to expand access to cleaner cooking fuels, the Federal Government is targeting five million households through its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) programme by 2030.
Balogun said the programme had been inaugurated in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, with plans aimed at increasing household access to cooking gas.
He also disclosed that Nigeria was working towards introducing a Willing Buyer, Willing Seller gas market framework by September 2028.
The proposed arrangement is intended to promote competitive pricing, greater transparency and a more commercially sustainable domestic gas market.
670 CNG Buses Deployed as Government Plans 127 New Refuelling Stations
The Chief Operating Officer of PI-CNG & EV, Tosin Coker, said the government’s compressed natural gas programme was expanding public transport options and supporting efforts to reduce transportation expenses.
According to Coker, 670 CNG-powered buses had been deployed nationwide.
He explained that 285 buses were operating commercially across 13 states, while another 302 had been allocated to transport unions, students and government institutions.
Under the National Affordable CNG Transition Programme, participating bus routes had recorded fare reductions ranging from 15 to 50 per cent, he said.
Coker also announced plans to establish 127 additional CNG refuelling stations across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The expansion is expected to improve access to refuelling infrastructure and encourage wider adoption of natural gas-powered vehicles.
Kano Emerges as Key CNG Hub in Northern Nigeria
Coker identified Kano State as an important centre for the development of cleaner transport infrastructure in Northern Nigeria.
He said the state currently had seven operational CNG refuelling stations, the highest number reported in the North-West geopolitical zone.
An additional 17 stations were at different stages of development, according to the official.
The expansion of refuelling facilities is expected to support transport operators and motorists considering a switch from petrol to compressed natural gas.
Government Emphasises CNG Vehicle Safety
Addressing concerns about the safety of CNG-powered vehicles, Coker stressed the need for motorists to use certified vehicle conversion centres and approved equipment.
He also highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance, routine inspections and proper maintenance to reduce risks associated with vehicle conversions.
The official described natural gas as an important component of Nigeria’s strategy to diversify transport energy sources and strengthen domestic energy security.
Journalists Seek More Engagement on Gas Sector Developments
Speaking on behalf of journalists who attended the Kano programme, Murtala Adewale commended the organisers for providing information about developments in Nigeria’s gas industry.
He described the engagement as useful in improving journalists’ understanding of gas infrastructure, investment and transportation initiatives.
Adewale called for regular training programmes, broader media participation and stronger cooperation between journalists, industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
He said sustained engagement would help improve the accuracy and depth of reporting on Nigeria’s energy sector.
