Nigeria’s daily natural gas production increased to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, driven by rising domestic demand and a stronger contribution from non-associated gas production, according to the latest industry data.

Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that gas production rose by 0.63 per cent compared to the 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025.

A breakdown of the data revealed that Associated Gas contributed 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas accounted for 3.98bcf/d, highlighting the growing role of dedicated gas development projects in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Although production slipped slightly by 0.12 per cent from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026, the overall trend has remained positive. Output increased steadily 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 report also showed a shift in gas utilisation patterns during the month. Export sales declined from 4.13bcf/d to 3.07bcf/d, representing 40 per cent of total production, while domestic gas sales rose from 2.03bcf/d to 2.18bcf/d, accounting for 26.6 per cent of total utilisation.

The increase in local supply reflects ongoing efforts to meet domestic gas obligations and support growing demand from the power, industrial, and manufacturing sectors.

Meanwhile, 2.11bcf/d, representing 26.5 per cent of production, was used for field operations and other internal purposes, while gas flaring dropped to 0.57bcf/d, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of total output.

The reduction in flaring aligns with Nigeria’s target of ending routine gas flaring by 2030 and improving the commercial value of its gas resources.

Year-to-date production remained strong, averaging 7.87bcf/d, up from the 7.82bcf/d recorded during the first quarter of the year. The average output further improved to 7.94bcf/d across April and May.

Further analysis of industry figures showed that Nigeria utilised approximately 92 per cent of the natural gas produced between January and April 2026, underscoring progress in efforts to reduce waste and maximise the economic benefits of the country’s vast gas reserves.

During the four-month period, total gas production reached 947.78 billion standard cubic feet. Of that volume, 872.69 billion standard cubic feet were utilised through domestic supply, exports, and field operations, while 57.34 billion standard cubic feet were flared.

In January, the country produced 241.71 billion standard cubic feet of gas, comprising 118.72 billion standard cubic feet of Associated Gas and 122.99 billion standard cubic feet of Non-Associated Gas.

Out of that volume, 220.91 billion standard cubic feet, representing 91.4 per cent of production, were utilised. Domestic sales stood at 65.58 billion standard cubic feet, while exports reached 96.24 billion standard cubic feet.

February production totalled 218.70 billion standard cubic feet, with 203.42 billion standard cubic feet utilised, representing 93 per cent of output. Gas flaring during the month stood at 14.09 billion standard cubic feet.

Production increased to 243.28 billion standard cubic feet in March, of which 226.79 billion standard cubic feet, or 93.2 per cent, were utilised.

In April, total output reached 238.08 billion standard cubic feet. Utilisation stood at 221.57 billion standard cubic feet, representing 93.1 per cent of production, while flaring declined to 14.52 billion standard cubic feet, accounting for 6.1 per cent.

Domestic gas supply remained consistent throughout the period, with sales recorded at 65.58 billion standard cubic feet in January, 59.83 billion standard cubic feet in February, 60.58 billion standard cubic feet in March, and 60.88 billion standard cubic feet in April.

Exports also remained strong, reflecting Nigeria’s continued presence in the global gas market. Export volumes stood at 96.24 billion standard cubic feet in January, 84.16 billion standard cubic feet in February, 98.49 billion standard cubic feet in March, and 98.69 billion standard cubic feet in April.

The performance supports the Federal Government’s efforts to commercialise the country’s gas resources under the “Decade of Gas” initiative while reducing environmentally harmful gas flaring practices.

Nigeria holds one of Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at more than 200 trillion cubic feet. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited domestic utilisation capacity, and decades of routine gas flaring have continued to limit the country’s ability to fully unlock the value of its gas resources.