Nigeria’s 209 TCF Gas Reserves: A Cornerstone For Energy Transition And Economic Growth

Nigeria’s 209 TCF Gas Reserves: A Cornerstone For Energy Transition And Economic Growth

As Nigeria charts its path toward a cleaner, diversified energy future, the Presidency has reaffirmed the strategic role of its vast natural gas resources in driving the country’s energy transition and economic transformation. With over 209 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves, the nation is positioning gas as the central pillar in its roadmap for sustainable growth, energy security, and job creation.

 

Speaking in Abuja on June 1, 2025, during an interview marking the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, outlined how the government is leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves to power homes, industries, and the national economy.

 

Building on Reform: Gas as the New Oil

Verheijen highlighted that the administration has strengthened the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) through Presidential Directives 40 to 42, which have led to improved fiscal terms, regulatory clarity, and renewed investor confidence. This is evidenced by the Betafield Final Investment Decision (FID), a flagship gas project that is expected to supply 350 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas. Projects like Betafield and Ubeta are set to significantly bolster domestic gas supply while expanding Nigeria’s footprint in the global gas market.

“These projects are not just about energy—they’re about jobs, industrial growth, and moving Nigeria into a cleaner, more sustainable future,” Verheijen said.

 

Key Infrastructure for Nationwide Access

To connect gas supply to end users efficiently, Verheijen emphasized that critical infrastructure projects like the OB3 pipeline, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline, and the expansion (looping) of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) are being fast-tracked. These projects are essential for distributing gas to power plants, industrial clusters, and households across the country.

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), under the regulatory authority, is also providing much-needed catalytic capital to support the build-out of these critical assets.

 

LPG Access and Clean Energy for All

As part of the administration’s clean energy strategy, Verheijen reported that over 12 million Nigerian households now have access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), thanks to targeted reforms, incentives, and infrastructure investments. Initiatives like the Presidential CNG Programme are also displacing costly and polluting fuels like diesel and firewood, while supporting cleaner air and improved public health.

“These aren’t just fuel choices; they’re quality-of-life improvements—particularly for women and children exposed to indoor air pollution,” she said.

 

Meeting Ambitious Production Targets

Nigeria’s gas ambition doesn’t end at infrastructure. The government is aiming to ramp up daily gas production to 10 billion cubic feet (BCF) by 2030. This will involve unlocking associated and non-associated gas reserves, including resources in the deep offshore region.

 

Security remains a major concern, but Verheijen assured that the federal government is working closely with security agencies and private sector partners to curb pipeline vandalism and theft—ensuring that every molecule of gas produced makes it to market.

 

On the oil front, Nigeria currently produces between 1.5 and 1.7 million barrels per day, with a target of 4 million barrels in the long term. According to Verheijen, the administration’s bold energy policies and investor-friendly reforms are geared towards achieving this production goal and ensuring long-term energy stability.

 

Nigeria’s gas sector stands at the heart of the country’s transformation agenda. With strategic investments, strong political will, and robust regulatory frameworks, gas is not just Nigeria’s future—it is the present driver of jobs, growth, and energy security.

At LPG in Nigeria, we believe this presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders in the downstream sector, particularly LPG operators and investors, to align with the government’s vision. With the right policies and partnerships in place, Nigeria can truly unlock the full potential of its gas wealth and lead the continent in sustainable energy solutions.

• Gas reserve
• tcf
• energy
• nigeria
• Lpg
• cng