‎NNPC Board Chairman Kida Rallies Investors As Nigeria Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026

‎…Declares Gas ‘A Catalyst For Industrialization, Power Stability, And Economic Diversification’

‎‎‎By Akeem Busari

The Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Board, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, has charged both local and international investors to partner with Nigeria in unlocking the country’s vast gas resources, declaring that the opportunities are immense and the time to act is now.

‎‎He made the call at the during the official launch of the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 (NGMP 2026) at NNPC Towers in Abuja.‎‎

Engineer Musa Kida described the unveiling as “a landmark moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s energy future” and reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to accelerating the development of the nation’s gas sector.

‎‎In his address, Engineer Kida emphasised that natural gas is central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“Gas is not just part of Nigeria’s energy mix, but a catalyst for industrialization, power stability, economic diversification, environmental responsibility, and for positioning Nigeria as a global player in the new energy era,” he declared.‎‎

The NNPC Board Chairman noted that the Gas Master Plan 2026 aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, which positions natural gas as the engine of Nigeria’s future growth.‎‎

“This NNPC Gas Master Plan provides the structured pathway through which that declaration becomes deliverable,” he stated.‎‎

Nigeria currently holds approximately 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves, with an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, making it one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon basins.‎‎ The Gas Master Plan 2026 is designed to increase national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalyzing over $60 billion in new investments across the oil and gas value chain.‎‎

Engineer Kida commended the NNPC Ltd management team, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for championing the initiative “with clarity of purpose, technical depth, and national vision.”‎‎

“The dedication, intellectual rigour, and the tireless work invested in developing these initiatives underscore the company’s transformation into a forward-looking, commercially agile, and nationally responsive energy company,” he said.‎‎

“This initiative reflects the NNPC we are proud of, a company that not only identifies opportunities but builds the frameworks to deliver them with excellence.”

‎‎A Call to Investors: ‘Walk Alongside Us’‎The Board Chairman highlighted the collaborative approach that shaped the Gas Master Plan, noting that NNPC Ltd had engaged extensively with stakeholders across the industry over several months to ensure the document reflects both national requirements and stakeholder aspirations.‎‎

“NNPC Limited is demonstrating today that it truly celebrates a win-win partnership. This is not a slogan. It is the foundation of our strategy and the anchor of our delivery model,” Engineer Kida affirmed.‎‎

He issued a direct invitation to investors worldwide: “We issue a clear call today to investors to walk alongside us. Nigeria’s gas opportunity is vast, with an expanding demand market. Thus, we invite you to join us and seize the opportunity to turn this blueprint into projects, industries, and into shared prosperity. Together, we can unlock the infrastructure, technologies, upstream developments, and industrial ecosystems that will define Nigeria’s economic future.”‎‎

Engineer Kida stated that the NNPC Board stands firmly with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu behind the strategic direction set forth in the Gas Master Plan, expressing alignment with the ambitious production targets and the broader national aspiration to make Nigeria “the pre-eminent gas-powered economy in Africa and a respected global player.”

‎‎”Our desire is for Nigeria’s gas to continue to be a source of pride, prosperity, and progress for every citizen,” he declared.

“The NNPC Gas Master Plan we launch today charts that path. The partnerships we are strengthening today provide the momentum. And the commitment of NNPC, underlined by decisive governance, operational excellence, and unwavering national loyalty, guarantees that this journey will be pursued with purpose.”‎‎

The event was attended by key figures in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

‎The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan as “a deliberate shift from policy formulation to disciplined execution,” noting that Nigeria’s challenge has never been potential but translation—converting resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes.‎

NNPC Ltd Group CEO Engr. Bashir Ojulari characterised the Plan as “a bold, execution-driven roadmap” that is structured not just to deliver but to exceed the Presidential mandate.

He reaffirmed the company’s collaborative, investor-centric approach in shaping the initiative.‎‎Industry bodies also expressed support.

The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, described the plan as “giving a shot in the arm to the economy” that will “bridge the gap between intent and reality.”‎‎

The Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, commended NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the Plan and affirmed industry support for its core operating principles.‎‎Building the Nigeria of Tomorrow.

‎Concluding his address, Engineer Kida extended the Board’s appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to shaping the Gas Master Plan and called on all parties to continue working together in a spirit of unity, transparency, and collaboration.

‎‎”Together, we are building the Nigeria of tomorrow—one powered by gas, strengthened by partnership, and propelled by shared ambition,” he said.‎

The Gas Master Plan 2026 builds on the foundation of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan of 2008 and is fully aligned with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme. It is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade.