Nigeria's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports surged to a record N20.06 trillion ($14.63 billion) in 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year and solidifying its position as a top global supplier. This robust performance contributed to a broader rise in Africa's total LNG exports, which expanded by 1.8 million metric tonnes (Mt) to 39.77 Mt, underscoring the continent's growing leverage in international energy markets.
The substantial growth in African LNG exports, particularly from Nigeria, Angola, and new entrants like Mauritania and Senegal, is a critical development for global energy security and market dynamics. As Europe continues to diversify its gas supply away from traditional sources and global demand for cleaner-burning fuels intensifies, African producers are strategically positioned to meet this need, driving significant investment in upstream and infrastructure projects across the continent.
Executive Summary
Nigeria's LNG exports climbed by one million metric tonnes in 2025 to 14.78 Mt, valued at N20.06 trillion, according to the 2026 World LNG Report. This placed Nigeria as the seventh-largest global exporter, accounting for 3.4% of the record 436.98 Mt global LNG trade. The continent's overall LNG exports saw a 1.8 Mt increase, with Angola also contributing significantly with a 1.1 Mt rise, and Mauritania and Senegal making their first exports from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project.
What Happened
In 2025, Nigeria's LNG exports increased by one million metric tonnes, reaching 14.78 Mt, up from 13.78 Mt in 2024. This volume was valued at N20.06 trillion, translating to approximately $14.63 billion at the prevailing exchange rate. This growth occurred as global LNG trade expanded by 6.3% to a record 436.98 Mt, driven by increased output from major producers including the United States, Qatar, and Malaysia, alongside key African nations.
Key Developments
- Nigerian Exports Soar: Nigeria's LNG exports rose by 1 Mt to 14.78 Mt in 2025, generating N20.06 trillion ($14.63 billion) and securing its position as the seventh-largest global exporter.
- Africa's Rising Share: Total African LNG exports increased by 1.8 Mt to 39.77 Mt in 2025, with Angola contributing an additional 1.1 Mt and Mauritania and Senegal initiating exports from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project.
- Global Trade Expansion: The global LNG trade reached a record 436.98 Mt in 2025, expanding by 25.74 Mt, or 6.3%, primarily fueled by increased output from the United States, Qatar, Malaysia, and African producers.
Regional Context
The surge in African LNG exports highlights the continent's growing strategic importance in balancing global energy supply, particularly for European markets seeking alternatives to Russian gas. New production from West African projects like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim further diversifies the regional export landscape.
Market Impact
For traders and analysts, the consistent growth in African LNG volumes provides crucial supply diversification and enhanced market liquidity, potentially mitigating price volatility from geopolitical disruptions in other regions. Refiners will observe the broader energy mix shifts, though LNG's primary impact is on gas-to-power and industrial feedstock markets. The increased export capacity from Africa signals a more competitive global LNG market.
Outlook
Further investments in African upstream gas development and associated liquefaction infrastructure are anticipated to sustain this growth trajectory. The focus will remain on project execution and security in key producing regions to ensure reliable supply to global buyers.
