Nigeria Quietly Transforms Energy Sector Amid Criticism
Nigeria's energy sector has been the subject of criticism in recent weeks, with some questioning the direction of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a more positive picture.
Over the past three years, the Tinubu administration has pursued a deliberate strategy to transform Nigeria from an oil-importing nation into an integrated energy hub capable of powering its own industrialization and that of the wider West African region. This is evident in the comprehensive overhaul of the gas sector, supported by the decade of gas initiative, which aims to increase natural gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.
The NNPC Gas Master Plan, launched on January 31, 2026, is a key component of this strategy. The plan aims to accelerate gas sector development and deliver Nigeria's long-term energy ambitions, with over 50% of the gas development target for 2026 already achieved. One of the major objectives of the plan is to ensure that all serious in-country gas utilization projects secure the gas they require.
The collaboration between NNPC and other industry partners has been a significant development in recent years. The Dangote Group, one of Nigeria's private sector ambassadors, has expanded its gas supply agreements with NNPC subsidiaries to support its refinery, fertilizer, and cement operations. This demonstrates that progress is being made through partnership, not conflict.