Rising gas exports and renewed investor confidence signal early recovery in the energy sector…
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is beginning to show signs of renewed investor confidence, with capital inflows rising to $17.98 million in 2025, according to newly released data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest figures represent a significant jump from the $5.12 million recorded in 2024, suggesting that interest in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector is gradually picking up after a period of sluggish investment.
This rebound comes alongside a strong showing in the country’s gas segment. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reveals that gas export earnings climbed by 21 percent to $10.51 billion in 2025, up from $8.66 billion the previous year.
The sharp rise in oil and gas inflows, more than tripling year-on-year signals a cautious but notable shift in investor sentiment. Analysts say the improvement, while still modest, points to early recovery in a sector long challenged by volatility in global oil prices, regulatory uncertainty, and persistent security issues in oil-producing regions.
Despite the progress, inflows remain relatively low compared to Nigeria’s vast resource potential, underscoring the need for sustained reforms and stability to unlock larger-scale investments.
Beyond hydrocarbons, Nigeria’s export landscape is also evolving. Non-oil exports recorded a strong performance, rising to N12.36 trillion in 2025 from N9.09 trillion in 2024. The growth was largely driven by increased activity in agriculture, manufacturing, and the solid minerals sector, reflecting ongoing efforts to diversify the economy.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is doubling down on its long-term gas strategy. Earlier this year, the state oil firm unveiled its Gas Master Plan 2026, outlining ambitious targets aimed at transforming the sector.
The plan includes scaling daily gas production to 10 billion cubic feet, attracting up to $60 billion in investments, and significantly expanding Nigeria’s gas reserves from 210 trillion cubic feet to an estimated 600 trillion cubic feet.
Together, these developments suggest a shifting dynamic within Nigeria’s energy space, one where gas is playing an increasingly central role, while oil investment begins to recover from recent setbacks.
If the current momentum is sustained, industry watchers believe Nigeria could be on the path to rebuilding investor trust and strengthening its position as a key energy supplier in the global market.
About the Author
