Nigeria’s proven natural gas reserves have reached 215.19 trillion cubic feet, according to figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, highlighting the country’s substantial gas resources and their potential contribution to economic growth.
The commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, announced the country’s official petroleum reserves position as of January 1, 2026.
According to the figures, associated gas reserves stood at 100.21 trillion cubic feet, while non-associated gas reserves accounted for 114.98 trillion cubic feet.
The combined figures brought Nigeria’s proven gas reserves to 215.19 trillion cubic feet.
The commission attributed a 2.21 per cent increase in associated and non-associated gas reserves to discoveries and the results of reservoir studies.
Eyesan said the figures represented the country’s official petroleum reserves position for the period under review.
The commission also reported that Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate reserves stood at 37.01 billion barrels.
Of the total, crude oil accounted for 31.09 billion barrels, while condensate reserves amounted to 5.92 billion barrels.
The commission placed the reserves life index at 85 years for gas and 59 years for oil, based on its reported reserves estimates and production assumptions.
The latest gas figures underscore the importance of natural gas to Nigeria’s energy and industrial development plans.
Natural gas is used in electricity generation and serves as a major feedstock for industries producing fertiliser, petrochemicals and other industrial products.
It also contributes to Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas exports and efforts to expand the use of compressed natural gas in transportation.
However, the availability of substantial gas reserves does not automatically translate into increased domestic supply or higher export earnings. Developing the resources requires investment in exploration, production, processing facilities, pipelines and other supporting infrastructure.
Security challenges, financing constraints and limitations in gas transportation infrastructure can also affect the pace at which reserves are developed and commercialised.
The Federal Government and energy regulators have continued to promote investment in the sector, with the aim of increasing production and using natural gas to support economic growth.
The latest reserves figures provide an updated estimate of Nigeria’s proven gas resources, although the economic benefits will depend on the country’s ability to develop and commercialise them.
