Nigeria requires approximately $22 billion in fresh investments to develop a massive network of gas pipelines, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s newly unveiled strategic roadmap.

The "Gas Master Plan 2026," analyzed Sunday, outlines a sweeping infrastructure overhaul aimed at connecting the nation’s vast, underutilized reserves to domestic industries and international export terminals. 

Government officials said the multibillion-dollar investment is essential to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s status as a top global reserve holder and its mid-tier production ranking.

The plan, officially launched Jan. 30 at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, identifies the expansion of the gas transportation network as its primary pillar. Nigeria currently operates over 2,500 kilometers (about 1,550 miles) of pipelines. 

However, the report indicates that reaching economic targets will require completing critical projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) and OB3 pipelines, alongside other strategic transmission links.

“Current gas pipeline infrastructure in development plans could require up to $22 billion investment,” the document stated, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of connecting supply hubs to market centers.

Nigeria holds Africa’s largest proven gas reserves at 210 trillion cubic feet. Despite this, it ranks only 16th globally in production. 

In 2025, the country produced roughly 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcf/d), but only 60% was commercialized. 

The remainder was either reinjected or flared, with Nigeria ranking as the world’s seventh-largest gas-flaring nation.

The 2026 blueprint aims to reverse these trends by completing 30 priority projects within three years. Another 30 projects are slated for the following decade. The NNPC targets a production increase to 12 bcf/d by 2030.

Ekpei Ukam, a focal person for the plan’s implementation, said during the Nigerian International Energy Summit that the strategy shifts toward an “integrated gas hub model.” 

This approach coordinates 23 existing hubs to improve commercial viability and attract financiers through clearer returns on investment.

Officials warned that without these pipeline investments, domestic gas demand is projected to outpace supply by 2030, potentially stifling the power and industrial sectors.