NMDPRA unveils revised gas code to improve pipeline access, attract investment
Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its domestic gas market have received a regulatory boost following the unveiling of Revision 2 of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The revised framework, unveiled on October 26, 2026, during the 20th edition of OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, is aimed at improving natural gas transportation, promoting transparency and encouraging investment in the energy sector.
The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, said the revised code provides clearer guidelines for gas measurement, pipeline capacity booking, gas nominations and transportation.
According to him, the changes are expected to improve coordination among industry operators and ensure fair and transparent access to shared gas pipeline infrastructure.
The Gas Transportation Network Code serves as a regulatory framework for companies using Nigeria’s gas pipelines. It sets out how producers, transporters and buyers access pipeline facilities, measure gas volumes and coordinate the movement of supplies to different destinations.
The framework is particularly important because natural gas is used not only for electricity generation but also as a major input in industries such as fertiliser production and manufacturing, as well as in the transportation sector.
Meanwhile, Umar said the latest revision builds on improvements recorded since the introduction of Revision 1, with more companies participating in the gas transportation network. He also disclosed that operational imbalances on the Western Network declined by approximately 30 per cent in the first half of 2026.
The NMDPRA said the revised code is expected to strengthen the efficiency of the gas transportation system, improve access to pipeline infrastructure and create a more transparent environment for investment and trade in Nigeria’s gas market.
