By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Nigeria’s natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in May 2026, marking a 0.63 per cent increase compared to the 7.88bcf/d recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, according to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The latest production figures, published by the Commission on its X handle, indicate sustained growth in the country’s gas sector amid ongoing efforts to expand domestic utilisation and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major gas-producing nation.
A breakdown of the May 2026 production data showed that Associated Gas (AG) contributed 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas (NAG) accounted for 3.98bcf/d.
The Commission noted that the near-equal contribution from non-associated gas underscores the growing impact of dedicated gas development projects and reflects the gradual maturation of investments in the sector.
Despite the year-on-year increase, gas production dipped slightly on a month-on-month basis, declining by 0.12 per cent from the 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026.
However, the data revealed a steady upward trend in production over the first five months of the year. Output rose from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February, increased further to 7.85bcf/d in March, and reached 7.94bcf/d in April before settling at 7.93bcf/d in May.
The report also highlighted changing patterns in gas utilisation. Export sales fell significantly from 4.13bcf/d to 3.07bcf/d, representing about 40 per cent of total production.
In contrast, domestic gas sales increased from 2.03bcf/d to 2.18bcf/d, accounting for approximately 26.6 per cent of total utilisation.
According to the Commission, the rise in domestic sales reflects ongoing efforts to meet local gas supply obligations and support critical sectors of the economy.
The NUPRC noted that growing demand from power generation, industrial operations and gas-based manufacturing industries under Nigeria’s gas development agenda presents substantial opportunities for further expansion in domestic gas consumption.
Further analysis of the May figures showed that 2.11bcf/d, representing 26.5 per cent of total production, was utilised for operators’ own use, while 0.57bcf/d, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of output, was flared.
The Commission said the relatively low flare volume reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring by 2030 as part of its environmental and energy transition objectives.
On a year-to-date basis, gas production remained robust, averaging 7.87bcf/d, up from 7.82bcf/d recorded in the first quarter of 2026. Production strengthened further to an average of 7.94bcf/d across April and May, highlighting continued momentum in the country’s gas sector.
The latest figures come as Nigeria intensifies efforts to leverage its vast gas reserves to drive industrialisation, improve energy security, attract investment and support long-term economic growth under the Federal Government’s gas expansion strategy.
