Nigeria Sees Growing Demand for Its LNG Shipments

Houston, United States – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd) says more buyers are interested in liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from Nigeria. The statement came from NNPC Executive Vice President Olalekan Ogunleye at the CERAWeek energy conference on Wednesday.

Okay News reports that the country is gaining ground as a supplier as global buyers seek alternative sources amid energy disruptions in the Middle East. Nigeria’s location and large gas reserves make it attractive for LNG buyers in Europe, the Atlantic Basin, and Asia.

Ogunleye said demand for natural gas has remained strong despite geopolitical tensions. He noted that Nigeria is about 10 sailing days from Europe and close to major trading routes. Nigeria also holds the largest gas reserves on the African continent.

“We are right in the middle of the market,” Ogunleye said. “We see commercial opportunities on top of the fact that we have the most gas reserves in Africa.”

The NNPC is in talks about adding two new LNG trains and pursuing a 12 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) LNG project. The company also plans gas‑based industrial hubs to use more than 200 trillion cubic feet of discovered gas reserves. Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where NNPC is the largest shareholder, can export up to 22 million metric tons per year and is building a seventh train due to finish in 2027.

Security problems in the Niger Delta have previously disrupted supplies. LNG exports fell by about 20% in early 2025 due to pipeline vandalism. However, shipments from the NLNG complex have recovered in 2024 and 2026, helping Nigeria regain market share.

Experts say African and South American countries with known but underdeveloped gas fields could benefit from interest in floating LNG and new supply routes. Analysts also note that Nigeria aims to boost crude‑oil output by roughly 100,000 barrels per day in the coming months, further supporting its position as a key energy supplier.