The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has disclosed that Nigeria requires an estimated $22 billion investment in pipeline infrastructure to transition the country into a gas-powered economy.
The revelation is contained in the newly released NNPC Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, a strategic roadmap obtained by THISDAY, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas potential and aligning it with domestic energy demand.
According to the NNPC, Nigeria holds Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, estimated at 210 trillion cubic feet, yet ranks only 16th globally in gas production.
This imbalance, described as an energy paradox, is one of the core challenges the GMP 2026 seeks to address. The plan prioritises midstream connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and commercial viability as key pillars for reforming the gas value chain.
The GMP 2026 noted that Nigeria’s existing gas transportation network, covering over 2,500 kilometres, provides a strong foundation but is grossly inadequate to meet the country’s growing industrial and power sector needs.
To bridge this gap, the NNPC said massive capital injection is required to expand pipeline capacity and improve nationwide gas distribution.
As part of the strategy, the NNPC is pushing for the completion of critical national and regional gas projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline and the OB3 pipeline.
These projects are expected to enhance gas supply to power plants, industries, and households, while also supporting economic growth across regions.
The NNPC further stressed that intensified investments are needed to stimulate gas supply growth, particularly from non-associated gas and deepwater developments.
These sources, the company said, are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s gas ambitions and reducing reliance on crude oil revenues.
