Nigeria Rakes in $10 Billion from Gas Exports In Nine Months
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE
NIGERIA’S gas industry continues to power the nation’s foreign earnings, generating $10.01 billion from 13.53 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first nine months of 2025. The exports reached markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond, including Spain, France, Portugal, The Netherlands, Kuwait, South Korea, Pakistan, Jamaica, The Philippines, India, China, and Taiwan.
European buyers paid between $740 and $810 per tonne, reflecting strong demand despite production challenges. Monthly shipments peaked in July at 95,915.58 mmscf but dipped to 47,178.57 mmscf in September due to disruptions, marking the lowest export month of the year.
Domestically, Nigeria consumed 30% of its gas output, totaling 565,373.16 mmscf over nine months. The country produced 2.04 million mmscf (40.79 million tonnes) in the same period, yet around 3.03 million tonnes were lost to flaring, highlighting ongoing efficiency challenges.
Europe remains the primary destination, accounting for more than half of Nigeria’s LNG shipments, while Asia continues to see increasing deliveries, with forecasts projecting 1.36 million tonnes by September 2025. Despite strong exports, Nigeria has struggled to meet some orders, with shipping data showing delays in fulfilling 2.02 million tonnes ordered in August and September.
Notable shipments included vessels such as LNG Cross Rivers to Spain (66,000 tonnes), LNG Oyo to France (66,000 tonnes), and Vivit Arabia LNG to Asia (77,000 tonnes). Efforts are ongoing to increase LNG supply on a Delivered Ex Ship (DES) basis to cover shipping costs and ensure timely delivery amid growing global demand, especially in Europe following reduced Russian exports.
The figures underscore Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global LNG market while highlighting opportunities to reduce flaring and enhance production efficiency, which could translate to even greater revenue in the months ahead.
