An updated Gas Master Plan list by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) featured the Assa North and Izombe gas hubs in Imo State as the sole designated gas hubs in the South-East region.
The 23-man list featured Assa North in the top ten, while Izombe gas hub made it to the top 20. Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states accounted for the bulk of the 23 proposed gas hubs, per the updated gas masterplan list by the NNPC.
The Gas Master Plan (GMP) initiative, also known as NGMP 2026, includes an updated roadmap that represents a significant shift from the original 2008 plan. The new master plan represents a move away from broad policy toward what the government calls disciplined execution.
The initiative signals NNPC’s diversification efforts away from being an oil company to a total energy solutions firm. NNPC hopes to meet the presidential mandate for massive gas production with the updated list and strategic focus on the 23 gas hubs in sight.
The presidential mandate for gas production includes 10 Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCF/D) by 2027 and 12 BCF/D by 2030. In terms of investments, the master plan aims to catalyse over $60 billion in new investments across the value chain by 2030.
NNPC Boss Hails Master Plan as Gamechanger
Speaking on the Gas Master Plan, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari described the plan as a ” bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap” designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.
Reeling out figures, Ojulari pointed out that Nigeria’s 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves position the country as one of the most significant hydrocarbon basins in the world, reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.
As the Chief sponsor of the initiative, Ojulari revealed that NNPC adopted a more collaborative, investor-centric approach in drawing up the NGMP 2026, aligning with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.
According to him, cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves were the top priorities in the plan.
Projected National Gas Highways to Support Gas Value Chain
The new gas masterplan highlighted national gas highways that must be completed to link supply to demand, supporting the entire gas value chain in the country. The national gas highways serve as the backbone of the gas ecosystem in Nigeria. The NNPC gas masterplan identified four major gas highways needed to run an efficient value chain.
- AKK Pipeline (Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano): The flagship 587km pipeline aimed at industrialising Northern Nigeria. Activation for export flows and industrial parks is slated for early 2026.
- OB3 Pipeline (Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben): A 110km link connecting the eastern gas fields to the western network. Key river crossings, including the Niger, are being finalised for full integration in 2026.
- ELPS II (Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System): Expansion to increase throughput to the Lagos industrial hub and power plants.
- NMGP (Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline): A transcontinental project involving 13 West African states, recently prioritised for cross-border supply and European export.
The four national gas highways are currently either under construction or in the ideation phase. The Assa North and Izombe gas hubs are significant players in the Imo state oil and gas sectors.
The Anoh Gas project is also a notable mention and is currently primed for an additional 600mmscf gas facility expansion.
