Evaluation of Domestic Gas Market Development Strategies for Northeastern Nigeria

Northeastern Nigeria, encompassing Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states, remains one of the most energy-deficient regions in the country, with negligible penetration of natural gas supply beyond isolated industrial point sources. This study evaluates domestic gas market development strategies applicable to the Northeast zone, examining demand aggregation opportunities, supply route options, regulatory frameworks, and financial models for sustainable gas market creation. The research employs a market development analysis methodology, combining regional energy demand surveys, infrastructure gap analysis, and stakeholder consultations with state government energy agencies, industrial associations, and potential gas consumers in Maiduguri, Yola, and Gombe. Alternative supply options evaluated include pipeline extension from the AKK corridor, LNG virtual pipeline (trucking), and CNG distribution from strategically located compression and decanting stations. The study assesses each supply option against criteria including delivered cost competitiveness, lead time to market, financing requirements, and scalability. Findings indicate that a hybrid supply strategy combining LNG trucking for near-term demand activation and pipeline infrastructure for long-term scale is the most viable development pathway for northeastern Nigeria, with Gombe as the recommended initial development anchor due to its gas demand concentration in manufacturing and power generation. Recommendations include Gombe State Government co-investment in gas distribution infrastructure, federal gas access development grants under NGEP, and development of a regional gas demand aggregation cooperative for northeastern industrial consumers. Keywords: gas market development, northeastern Nigeria, LNG trucking, demand aggregation, energy access.