Natural gas represents a pivotal component of Nigeria’s energy future, positioned at the intersection of domestic energy security, industrialisation, and environmental sustainability. Despite holding Africa’s largest natural gas reserves, Nigeria continues to experience erratic utilisation patterns, underdeveloped distribution networks, and persistent gas flaring. Existing studies highlight the mismatch between Nigeria’s gas supply and end-user demand due to infrastructural deficits, market distortions, and regulatory delays [1] [2] . In Algeria, substantial government-led infrastructure investments have accelerated the domestic penetration of gas. The UK illustrates a well-regulated gas-to-power system integrated with industrial policies.

The study adopts the Energy Ladder Model to understand transitions from traditional biomass to cleaner fuels. The Resource Curse Hypothesis also frames the paradox of resource-rich nations experiencing low developmental outcomes due to institutional weaknesses [3] [4] .

Chapter two deals with literature review and the theoretical framework of the study, which examines the existence of natural gas. It highlights natural gas utilisation, what natural gas is, the formation of natural gas, natural gas underground, and the Nigerian gas sector’s linkages and socio-economic development in Nigeria. It also examines the production of natural gas in Nigeria, the development of the gas sector in Nigeria, the Impact of gas on Nigeria’s economy, the challenges facing the gas sector and the demand management of natural gas in Nigeria. Chapter three discusses the research methodology, which includes the research population, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis using sample percentages and the chi-square test. Chapter four presents and analyses the questionnaire distributed to various sectors concerning the study and analyses the results using statistical tools such as percentages, chi-square and bar charts. Chapter Five concludes with success stories in the Nigerian gas sector and provides recommendations based on the findings presented in Chapters Two to Four.

This study aims to assess demand-side challenges and propose practical strategies for efficient gas utilisation in the country. This research employed a structured questionnaire distributed to 120 stakeholders across the energy value chain. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess the natural gas demand management in Nigeria. It was observed from the analysis of the results using the chi-square test that to bridge the demand-supply gap in natural gas, Nigeria must strengthen its gas infrastructure networks, promote private sector participation through fiscal incentives, institutionalise gas utilisation education through schools and media, and regularly review gas policy frameworks to reflect market realities. These actions will ensure optimal harnessing of Nigeria’s vast gas potential, driving sustainable development and economic growth [5] .

The research design employed is a survey, in which participants from the oil and gas industry and others from various backgrounds were randomly selected as a sample to conduct the investigation. The study aims to employ the survey research method to investigate Natural Gas Demand Management in Nigeria. The design of this research work is dual. The survey was conducted by applying two research instruments:

I. The theoretical approach

II. The field work approach

From the theoretical approach, the researcher was able to gather facts from textbooks, professional journals, magazines and articles. This approach becomes the source of secondary data. The account here will be analytical in its detailed and critical examination as well as appraisal of the significant issues and trends. It is descriptive in its objective consideration of the issues and trends which form the basis of subsequent analysis. It is also prescribed, as it recommends strategies and mechanisms for managing and developing Nigeria’s natural gas distribution and utilisation [6] .

It also adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from the principles and values of international gas development management.

While the fieldwork approach helps gather primary data. The research technique used here was the collection of responses to structured questionnaires. Structured questionnaires were used to solicit environmental and socio-economic information from the Nigerian public, as well as to gauge the views of oil companies regarding their operations in Nigeria, particularly their socio-economic responsibilities to the Nigerian public. A random field survey was conducted. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered, and 284 questionnaires were received and analysed. Each item on the questionnaire consisted of five responses categorised into strongly agree (SA), agree (A), undecided (U), disagree (D) and strongly disagree (SD). The justification for this choice is that the approach permits scientific generalisation to be made from the data obtained [7] . Other reasons are:

Samples were drawn using stratified sampling techniques. The chi-square test was used to compare more than two proportions of observations for a large population with a value greater than 30. Here, we want to determine whether the observed difference in frequencies can be reasonably attributed to chance. This study encompasses various individuals representing different states in Nigeria to determine the effective Natural Gas Demand Management for Nigeria. It includes all categories of people from all walks of life that comprise Nigeria.

Due to time and financial resource constraints, it is not possible to study the entire population, so an accessible population must be chosen that forms the sample for this research. The target study population was drawn from various segments of the Nation, namely Unemployed youths, Community leaders, Local government workers, and oil and gas company workers. The target population for the study is in the Appendix below.

The data generated were analysed using simple percentages and the chi-square test. The use of the chi-square test in this study is to assess the goodness of the association between the different variables (the dependent and independent variables). The assumptions adopted are highlighted below:

Assumptions for hypothesis I

The Respondents in the sample were randomly selected

The sample size was 50

Test statistics = X2 = (Fo – Fe)2/Fe

Research Design

Calculated X2 = 404.2

Critical = 11.070

Degree of freedom df = K – 1. Where K is the number of Categories, here K = 6

Therefore df = K – 1 = 5

Choosing a 5% level of significance gives α = 0.05

Assumptions for hypothesis II

The respondents in the sample were randomly selected.

The sample size was 50

Test statistics = X2 = (Fo – Fe)2/Fe

Research Design

Calculated X2 = 207.8

Critical = 11.070

Degree of freedom df = K – 1. Where K is the number of Categories, here K = 6

Therefore df = K – 1 = 5

Choosing a 5% level of significance gives α = 0.05

Assumptions for hypothesis III

The respondents in the sample were randomly selected.

The sample size was 50

Test statistics = X2 = (Fo – Fe)2/Fe

Research Design

Calculated X2 = 198.3

Critical = 11.070

Degree of freedom df = K – 1. Where K is the number of Categories, here K = 6

Therefore df = K – 1 = 5

Choosing a 5% level of significance gives α = 0.05

Assumptions for hypothesis IV

The respondents in the sample were randomly selected.

The sample size was 50

Test statistics = X2 = (Fo – Fe)2/Fe

Research Design

Calculated X2 = 162.2

Critical value = 11.070

Degree of freedom dF = K – 1, where K is the number of categories; here K = 6

Therefore dF = K – 1 = 5

Choosing a 5% level of significance gives α = 0.05

Assumptions for hypothesis V

The respondents in the sample were randomly selected.

The sample size was 50

Test statistics = X2 = (Fo – Fe)2/Fe

Research Design

Calculated X2 = 134.5

Critical table value = 11.070

Degree of freedom dF = K – 1, where K is the number of categories; here K = 6

Therefore df = K – 1 = 5

Choosing 5% level of significance gives α = 0.05

Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between independent variables and dependent variables. The production of gas is the independent variable, and the gas demand management is the dependent variable (p < 0.05) [8] . The hypotheses were derived from research questions.

Table 1. The study target population from the various categories and sample size.

Table 2. Distribution by factors on the demand management of natural gas.

Source: Field Work.

Table 3. Summary of significance tests and conclusion on the demand management of natural gas for nigeria.

Source: Field Work.

Table 4. Data summary.

Source: Field Work.

Table 5. Nigerian natural gas utilization.

Source: Field Work.

Table 6. Process implementation of nigerian natural gas utilisation.

Source: Field Work.

Table 7. Failure of nigerian natural gas utilisation.

Source: Field Work.

Table 8. Impact of nigerian natural gas utilisation.

Source: Field Work.

Table 9. Strategies neglected in management and utilisation of natural gas.

Source: Field Work.