Nigeria's Gas Exports Surge 19% in Early 2026

In the first eight months of 2026, Nigeria's natural gas exports rose by 19% year-on-year, totaling 733,778 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF), as reported by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This increase reflects stronger export volumes from January to August, with total gas production during this period reaching 1.92 million MMSCF, which included 959,941 MMSCF of associated gas (AG) and 963,321 MMSCF of non-associated gas (NAG).

Domestic gas sales were substantial, amounting to 516,780 MMSCF, while 525,768 MMSCF was utilized in the field. The August production figures showed a total output of 245,439.13 MMSCF, an increase from 227,015.22 MMSCF in August 2025.

Despite the rise in exports, Nigeria flared 131,564 MMSCF of gas between January and August 2026, with August recording the highest monthly flaring volume of 18,350.55 MMSCF. NUPRC has introduced a Gas Development Roadmap aimed at attracting investment and accelerating the development of Nigeria's gas resources, which are among Africa's largest proven reserves.