A five-year research initiative conducted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in partnership with the University of Jos has identified evidence of oil and natural gas potential in parts of Plateau State, Nigeria.
The study marks a significant expansion of the country's known hydrocarbon frontier beyond its traditional Niger Delta and offshore basins.
Reports indicate that Nigeria, along with Libya and Algeria, flared more than 25 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2025, highlighting the persistent inefficiencies in the region's energy infrastructure.
The findings suggest that Plateau State, historically not a major oil-producing region, holds viable deposits that could contribute to Nigeria's long-term energy security and export capacity.
While the immediate commercial impact remains uncertain pending further exploration and investment, the discovery adds to the growing narrative of untapped resources across West Africa.
This development comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with significant gas flaring.
Reports indicate that Nigeria, along with Libya and Algeria, flared more than 25 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2025, highlighting the persistent inefficiencies in the region's energy infrastructure.