- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 12.5% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country's LNG export performance, highlighting export volumes, trade trends, global demand, and developments across the natural gas sector. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset reflects the annual quantity of LNG exported from Nigeria to international markets.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 26.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−34.9%), an average of −5.2% a year. The series high was 28.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the low 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2023) is 11.30 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was −17.6% in 2021.
Among the 17 countries in this dataset, Nigeria ranks 7 for 2023, behind U.S. (114.4 Billion Cubic Metres) and Qatar (108.4 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 3.2% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 17.50 | −12.5% |
| 2022 | 20.00 | −14.5% |
| 2021 | 23.40 | −17.6% |
| 2020 | 28.40 | −1.4% |
| 2019Peak | 28.80 | +3.6% |
| 2018 | 27.80 | −1.8% |
| 2017 | 28.30 | +15% |
| 2016 | 24.60 | −8.6% |
| 2015 | 26.90 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. Nigeria is highlighted.
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
It serves as an important indicator of production capacity, liquefaction performance, export competitiveness, and Nigeria's contribution to global LNG trade.
Nigeria exported 26.9 bcm of LNG in 2015 before exports declined to 24.6 bcm in 2016. Export volumes recovered to 28.3 bcm in 2017 and remained relatively stable at 27.8 bcm in 2018. Shipments increased slightly to 28.8 bcm in 2019 before easing marginally to 28.4 bcm in 2020. Export performance weakened during the later years, falling to 23.4 bcm in 2021, 20.0 bcm in 2022, and 17.5 bcm in 2023, representing the lowest level recorded during the study period.
Overall, the dataset highlights relatively stable LNG exports between 2015 and 2020, followed by a sustained decline through 2023. Reduced export volumes reflected operational challenges, production constraints, and changing market conditions. Despite these declines, Nigeria remained one of Africa's largest LNG exporters and continued supplying major international markets.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Nigeria's LNG export outlook, assessing production and export performance, and analyzing long-term trade developments. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing valuable insights for researchers, analysts, industry stakeholders, and policymakers monitoring LNG supply trends, export competitiveness, production capacity, and Nigeria's strategic role within the global natural gas market.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 12.5% on 2022.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 26.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−34.9%), an average of −5.2% a year. The series high was 28.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the low 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The highest value was 28.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the lowest was 17.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
Included: The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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