Nigeria, which holds Africa’s largest proven gas reserves of 209.26 Tcf, is urging African LNG exporters to adopt a unified strategy.

Nigeria LNG (NLNG) is expanding its capacity from 22 million tonnes per year to 30 million tonnes with a $10 billion Train 7 project.

Africa’s LNG capacity could rise from 70 mtpa today to 120 mtpa by 2035, according to NLNG.

Nigeria urged African gas producers to coordinate policies on liquefied natural gas (LNG) to strengthen the continent’s position in the global energy market. The call came during the Africa Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town, held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s top LNG exporters, invited Algeria, Egypt, Angola and Mozambique to align strategies. Officials said the initiative aims to raise Africa’s leverage in global LNG trade, now dominated by the U.S., Qatar and Australia.

Nigeria based its proposal on the strength of Nigeria LNG (NLNG), a joint venture between NNPC Ltd (49%), Shell (25.6%), TotalEnergies (15%) and Eni (10.4%). NLNG operates six liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 22 million tonnes per year on Bonny Island.

The company is building a seventh train, which was 80% complete in August 2025. The $10 billion expansion will raise total capacity to 30 million tonnes per year. In the same month, NLNG signed 20-year gas supply contracts with Shell, Oando, Aradel Holdings and First E&P to secure feedstock.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) estimates Nigeria’s proven gas reserves at 209.26 trillion cubic feet as of January 2024, the largest in Africa and among the top 10 worldwide.

Nigeria exported about 13 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, according to the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL). Algeria shipped about 13.8 million tonnes, while Angola exported 3.6 million tonnes and Egypt 3.5 million tonnes.

Nigeria’s proposal comes as Africa’s LNG export capacity grows. Rystad Energy estimates the continent currently has 70 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of onshore LNG capacity. According to data presented at Africa Energy Week, this figure could reach 120 mtpa by 2035.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum