NATIONAL GAS EXPANSION PROGRAM (NGEP)

A Policy accelerates the use of natural gas across Nigeria, positioning it as the central energy source for economic growth. It targets households, industries, and investors to power homes, vehicles, and businesses. The program aims to reduce energy costs and stimulate job creation nationwide.

What Is This Policy?

The National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) is a policy initiative of the Nigerian government, launched in December 2020, to accelerate the adoption and utilization of natural gas across the country. It is part of Nigeria’s broader Decade of Gas (2021–2030) agenda, which positions natural gas as the central energy source for economic growth and transition to cleaner fuels.

Who Does It Target?

NGEP is a multi-sector policy: it targets everyday Nigerians (households and drivers), industries, and investors, while also aligning with government climate and energy security goals.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

It aims to make natural gas the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, powering homes, vehicles, industries, and electricity while reducing costs, creating jobs, and cutting emissions.

Key Features

Bridge Fuel Strategy: Positions natural gas as a transition fuel between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy. Domestic Gas Utilization: Promotes Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for households, transport, and industries. Economic Growth & Job Creation: Stimulates industrialization by providing cheaper, cleaner energy. It creates employment opportunities in gas distribution, conversion, and infrastructure projects.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: infrastructure expansion and execution Coverage: includes fueling stations for CNG/LPG across all 36 states. Beneficiaries to Date: households, industries and transport sector. Funding: Federal Government allocations and NNPC

How to Access

Visit the Ministry of Petroleum Resources website → look under Policies & Publications. Check NNPC Ltd. official site → search for Gas Master Plan or Decade of Gas. Review CBN circulars → search for NGEP intervention fund. Explore energy research portals (e.g., EMRC, Oxford Energy, African Energy Chamber) for independent reports.

Important Terms

Term 1- Bridge Fuel Natural gas is described as a bridge fuel a transitional energy source between traditional fossil fuels (oil, coal) and renewable energy. It is cleaner than oil and coal, making it central to Nigeria’s energy transition. Term 2- Gas Master Plan 2026 An updated roadmap by NNPC Ltd. to expand gas supply, infrastructure, and investment. Targets over $60 billion in new investment and aligns with NGEP’s rollout.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources Website: https://petroleumresources.gov.ng (navigate to Policies & Publications). Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Provides press releases and updates on NGEP rollout, including the 2020 launch across all 36 states. Website: https://fmino.gov.ng Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative Dedicated portal for the Decade of Gas (2021–2030), under which NGEP operates. Contains background, FAQs, and updates on gas expansion projects. Website: https://www.decadeofgas.com.ng Contact: +234 (0) 9461 7700 Link to document Link to document

Legal Framework

Petroleum Industry Act 2021; National Gas Policy 2017; Energy Commission of Nigeria Act; Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Section 44(3)); Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Guidelines