By Ayo Kehinde
Nigeria’s average daily natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, reflecting steady growth in the country’s gas sector as authorities push to expand domestic supply and exports.
According to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), average gas production increased by 0.63 percent from 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025.
However, production dipped slightly on a monthly basis, easing by 0.12 percent from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026.
The commission said Non-Associated Gas (NAG) production slightly exceeded Associated Gas (AG) output during the month, underscoring the growing importance of dedicated gas projects in Nigeria’s energy mix. Non-Associated Gas contributed 3.98bcf/d, while Associated Gas production stood at 3.96bcf/d.
Year-to-date average production rose to 7.87bcf/d, up from 7.82bcf/d recorded in the first quarter. Gas output has maintained an upward trend in recent months, rising from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February, 7.85bcf/d in March, and 7.94bcf/d in April before settling at 7.93bcf/d in May.
The NUPRC data also showed that Nigeria continued to utilise a significant portion of its gas output. Export sales stood at 3.07bcf/d, accounting for about 40% of total production, while domestic gas sales rose to 2.18bcf/d, representing 26.6 percent of utilisation.
About 2.11bcf/d, or 26.5 percent of total production, was used to power field operations and other activities required to keep oil and gas facilities running, while gas flaring accounted for 0.57bcf/d, representing 6.9 percent of total production.
Nigeria has intensified efforts to maximise the economic value of its vast gas reserves as part of its energy transition strategy. The latest figures suggest gradual progress in increasing gas production and utilisation, with non-associated gas projects playing an increasingly important role in supporting industrialisation, power generation, and export earnings.
