Nigeria’s gas production is steadily increasing, rising from 7.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day and approaching 12 bcf per day, according to the Federal Government. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), revealed this during a recent press briefing in Lagos.
Ekpo highlighted that his primary goal in his second year as minister is to boost gas output and transition Nigeria into a gas-driven economy, aligning with the objectives of the Decade of Gas initiative.
“In the Decade of Gas, our aim is to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030. We’re on track to increase production from 7.5 billion cubic feet to around 12 bcf, ensuring sufficient gas supply in the country,” Ekpo explained.
Since the government embraced gas as Nigeria’s key transition fuel, questions have been raised about the long-term sustainability of the nation’s gas production.
Addressing these concerns, Ekpo expressed confidence that gas production will increase, especially with some international oil companies (IOCs) shifting their focus to deep-water drilling.
“The sustainability strategy revolves around maximizing gas production from available resources,” Ekpo reassured the public.
He further added, “Several IOCs are now transitioning from shallow waters to deep-water regions where significant gas reserves are located. With President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, we are confident in achieving sufficient gas production to meet our objectives.”
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigeria holds 209.26 trillion cubic feet of both associated and non-associated gas reserves.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are feeling the impact of rising cooking gas prices, which have surged to around N1,300 per kilogram, up from less than N1,000 in June.
