NNPCL Targets Increased Gas Export Through Sustained Processing, Transportation Agenda
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is advancing a series of gas processing and evacuation initiatives aimed at boosting gas exports to Europe and West African markets, as Nigeria’s gas commercialisation drive takes centre stage in the government’s energy transition and energy security strategy.
Nigeria holds vast natural gas reserves with the capacity to transform the economy and strengthen regional energy security, positioning gas as a critical bridge fuel in the country’s development agenda.
NNPCL is driving this strategy through large-scale gas infrastructure projects that link domestic supply to regional and international markets, alongside expanded gas processing and transportation networks, refining upgrades and improved upstream sustainability.
The company is increasingly positioning itself as an integrated energy player, with growing investments across gas and power value chains.
A key pillar of the agenda is pipeline development, particularly the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, designed to supply industries and power plants across northern Nigeria. Construction reached a major milestone in 2025 with the completion of the River Niger crossing, and NNPCL expects activation for export-linked flows in early 2026.
National gas integration is also being strengthened through the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, which connects eastern gas fields to western demand centres. Together, the AKK and OB3 pipelines are expected to support gas-to-power expansion, reduce diesel dependence and stimulate industrial activity nationwide.
Beyond domestic supply, NNPCL is progressing two major international gas corridors: the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) and the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. The NMGP is designed to traverse 13 West African countries, extending the existing West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) network toward Europe.
Feasibility studies for the NMGP began in 2017 under an estimated project cost of $25 billion, with a phased 25-year development plan. Morocco has continued diplomatic engagements to advance the project.
Momentum around the NMGP increased during the 2025 ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi, where NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, described the pipeline as a continental priority capable of enabling cross-border gas supply, industrial development and long-term access to European markets.
Ojulari said the project would also allow African countries with smaller gas reserves to connect to shared infrastructure and benefit from regional value creation.
NNPCL is complementing its export ambitions with domestic programmes, including compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) adoption for households, as part of efforts to promote cleaner energy use and reduce reliance on biomass.
Following a recent inspection of the AKK pipeline, Ojulari confirmed the completion of full mainline welding, including challenging water crossings, clearing the way for final connections and commissioning.
He said the AKK pipeline would support the development of industrial parks, fertiliser plants and gas-based industries in Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Ajaokuta.
NNPCL executives have also pointed to reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act as a turning point for the company’s commercial outlook, noting that the legislation allows the company to operate without federal budgetary support and strengthens its investment posture.
Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said NNPCL is adopting co-investment models to accelerate project delivery and attract capital, emphasising a new partnership framework between national and international oil companies focused on shared profitability and sustainable growth.
Nigeria views natural gas as a foundation for industrialisation, energy security and climate-aligned development, with cleaner gas usage expected to reduce emissions, power industries, create jobs and strengthen regional energy systems.
