Nigeria’s gas exports outpace domestic sales despite abundant reserves

Nigeria exported 3.83 Tcf of natural gas between 2022 and 2025, while domestic sales amounted to 2.69 Tcf, creating a 1.15 Tcf surplus in favor of exports, equivalent to 43 per cent.

Cumulatively, the country exported 4.56 Tcf of gas through 2026, compared with 3.21 Tcf sold domestically, resulting in exports being 42 per cent higher than domestic supplies.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported these figures, highlighting ongoing challenges in utilizing Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for domestic energy needs.

Nigeria continues to import liquefied petroleum gas for cooking despite its abundant natural gas resources, indicating a paradox in energy policy.