NUPRC: Nigeria’s gas exports rise 19% to 733,778 MMSCF in eight months

Nigeria's natural gas exports experienced a 19% increase year-on-year, reaching 733,778 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) in the first eight months of 2026, according to Nairametrics' analysis of data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This surge in exports, reaching 959,941 MMSCF of associated gas (AG) and 963,321 MMSCF of non-associated gas (NAG), reflects the growing utilization of the country's gas resources for international markets.

Despite the rise in exports, domestic gas sales remained robust, totaling 516,780 MMSCF during the period, while 525,768 MMSCF was utilized in the field. Notably, NAG production slightly surpassed AG output in August, with 963,321 MMSCF of NAG compared to 959,941 MMSCF of AG. In August 2026, total gas production reached a notable 245,439.13 MMSCF, up from 227,015.22 MMSCF in August 2025.

However, the data also reveals that Nigeria flared 131,564 MMSCF of gas during the same period, with August experiencing the highest monthly flaring volume so far in 2026 at 18,350.55 MMSCF, representing 7.48% of total gas production. This increase in gas exports highlights the strong performance of Nigeria's gas resources and the introduction of a Gas Development Roadmap, aiming for more than 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves to attract investment and accelerate the development of the country's gas resources.

Nigeria, with one of Africa's largest proven natural gas reserves estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, holds significant potential for economic diversification beyond crude oil.