The Federal Government has stepped up high-level discussions on a proposed $20 billion transcontinental gas pipeline aimed at transporting Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources to European markets.
The strategic project, which dominated engagements in London, is expected to boost energy security while unlocking long-term economic value for Nigeria.
A statement issued on Friday by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a transformative gas corridor.
According to the minister, the pipeline is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually from Nigeria’s southern reserves through Chad and Libya, before extending subsea to Sicily in Italy and further into the European market.
Ekpo, who participated in the talks alongside key industry stakeholders, described the engagement as timely and historic, noting that Nigeria is positioning itself as an attractive destination for gas investments.
“Nigeria is set for investors to take advantage of this natural gas. With the Petroleum Industry Act and the executive orders by Mr President for the petroleum sector has set a conducive environment to attract investments to the sector.
“We must be intentional in the utilisation of our resources, so long as we have these reserves, we must take advantage of them and better the lives of those in the region,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence in the project’s feasibility, stating that with adequate financial backing, there would be no obstacle to its realisation.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energies at NNPC Limited, Olalekan Ogunleye, assured stakeholders of Nigeria’s policy alignment and commitment to attracting investment.
“The NNPC as the national oil company of Nigeria, has a clear Gas Master Plan, and Mr President’s gas-led initiatives are designed to drive investments across the value chain,” he said.
“NNPC’s strategy is firmly aligned with the president’s agenda, and we are focused on creating investable opportunities, removing bottlenecks, and partnering with credible investors. Simply put, NNPC is ready for business.”
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netoil Inc., Roger Tamraz, who is spearheading the project, described the pipeline as commercially viable and strategically important to Europe’s energy future.
He cited strong market demand and available financing structures as key drivers for the initiative.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Unicorn, Alain Bolo, said the project would help reduce gas flaring while positioning Nigeria as a dominant gas supplier to Europe.
The Project Director at Netoil, Henry Erimodafe, described the initiative as a “strategic win-win,” capable of generating jobs, attracting investments, and delivering long-term value.
The pipeline, currently at an early stage of development, is being advanced by a consortium of global industry players and will undergo extensive technical, commercial, and regulatory processes.
Despite this, stakeholders expressed optimism that the project could redefine Nigeria’s position in the global energy market while strengthening energy ties with Europe.
