Nigeria’s daily natural gas production rose to 7.93 billion standard cubic feet per day in May 2026, driven by stronger domestic demand and increasing output from non-associated gas fields, according to fresh industry data.

The figures, released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), show a slight 0.63 per cent year-on-year increase from the 7.88bcf/d recorded in May 2025.

A breakdown of production for May indicates that Associated Gas contributed 3.96bcf/d, while Non-Associated Gas accounted for 3.98bcf/d, highlighting the growing importance of dedicated gas development projects in the country’s production mix.

On a month-on-month basis, output dipped marginally by 0.12 per cent from 7.94bcf/d recorded in April 2026. However, production has generally maintained an upward trend over the past five months, rising steadily from 7.80bcf/d in January to 7.81bcf/d in February, 7.85bcf/d in March, and 7.94bcf/d in April.

In terms of utilisation, export sales declined to 3.07bcf/d, representing 40 per cent of total production, while domestic gas sales increased to 2.18bcf/d, accounting for 26.6 per cent. The rise reflects growing domestic demand across power generation, industrial use, and gas-based manufacturing.

Field and operational usage accounted for 2.11bcf/d, or 26.5 per cent of total output, while gas flaring stood at 0.57bcf/d, representing 6.9 per cent. The data underscores ongoing efforts to reduce routine flaring in line with Nigeria’s long-term energy transition goals.

Year-to-date production averaged 7.87bcf/d, slightly higher than earlier figures recorded in the first quarter of 2026, and rising further in April and May.

Overall, Nigeria utilised about 92 per cent of its produced gas between January and April 2026, reflecting improved efficiency in gas utilisation and a gradual reduction in waste through flaring.

Between January and April, total production stood at 947.78 billion standard cubic feet, with 872.69 billion standard cubic feet utilised for domestic supply, exports, and operational needs, while about 57.34 billion standard cubic feet were flared.

Monthly breakdowns show January production at 241.71 billion standard cubic feet, February at 218.70 billion, March at 243.28 billion, and April at 238.08 billion.

Domestic consumption remained consistent during the period, with monthly supply ranging between 59.09 billion and 65.58 billion standard cubic feet. Export volumes also remained strong, reflecting Nigeria’s continued role in the global gas market.

The performance aligns with the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to expand domestic utilisation, reduce flaring, and increase the commercial value of Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.

Nigeria holds one of Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, but infrastructure limitations and historical reliance on flaring have continued to constrain full optimisation of the resource.