Nigeria generated about 1.37 trillion standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas between January and June 2025, according to figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The report indicated an average monthly output of 229 billion scf, with production peaking in January at 236.3 billion scf, while the lowest was recorded in February at 199.7 billion scf.
Of the total volume, 1.26 trillion scf (91.8%) was utilised. This included: 408.3 billion scf for field operations, 370.7 billion scf for domestic consumption, and 481.1 billion scf exported.
Despite these gains, gas flaring persisted, as operators burnt 101.4 billion scf during the period — representing 7.4% of production. January saw the highest flaring at 18.7 billion scf, while February recorded the lowest at 15.9 billion scf. NUPRC noted that data for April, May, and June remain provisional, pending reconciliation.
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Government officials say the figures highlight Nigeria’s continued dependence on gas for electricity generation, industrial supply, and export revenues.
However, experts warn that unresolved challenges — such as policy inconsistencies, unpaid debts, and weak infrastructure — are undermining full gas utilisation.
Speaking at the Oriental News Conference in Lagos, Temitope Ogedengbe, Energy Transition Manager at NLNG, stressed the need for a tailored approach to energy transition.
He cautioned against a “copy-and-paste” model, urging strategies that reflect Nigeria’s realities, particularly the demand for economic growth, energy security, and development.
Similarly, Prof. Bart Nnaji, former Minister of Power, identified gas shortages and infrastructure gaps as key barriers to investment in the power sector, predicting that gas-fired plants will dominate Nigeria’s electricity generation over the next two decades.
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Industry players also raised concerns about policy bottlenecks. Engr. Chichi Emenike, Acting MD of Neconde Energy Limited, disclosed that her company had supplied gas to power producers without payment for nearly two years, adding that issues such as dollarised operations and inconsistent government policies were discouraging investment.
Nigeria holds over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves (NUPRC data), but experts argue that without urgent reforms and infrastructure investments, much of it will remain untapped.
Image Credit: Punch Newspaper
