The Nigerian government has initiated discussions with Libya regarding a potential gas pipeline linking the two nations. Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum (Gas),
Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced this during a meeting with Libya’s Minister of Oil, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik, at the Gastech Exhibition and Conference 2024 in Houston, USA.
Ekpo stated that the proposed gas pipeline would start in Nigeria and extend to Libya, aiming to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries. He shared the update via his X handle, confirming the significance of this strategic partnership.
“Nigeria’s delegation included Olalekan Ogunleye, EVP Gas at NNPC Ltd., Maher Giundi, International Business Advisor to NNPC’s GCEO, and Odiong Ekanem, Technical Adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas),” Ekpo said, while Libya’s team consisted of Dr. Basteet Al Ashab, Khalid Jatbi, and Yousef Al Shatwi.
This proposed pipeline builds on ongoing discussions about regional energy collaboration between Nigeria and Libya, both key oil and gas producers in Africa. In 2022, Libya’s former Oil Minister, Mohamed Aoun, suggested that the $13 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) could pass through Libya instead of Algeria, another major energy player on the continent.
The NMGP is expected to transport gas from Nigeria across 13 African countries to European markets. The 5,600 km pipeline will run through nations including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal, and Morocco.
Nigeria’s shift from oil to gas, driven by its abundant gas reserves, has gained momentum in recent years, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signing executive orders to boost the gas sector.
Tinubu also inaugurated three gas plants in Delta and Imo states, aiming to increase gas production by 25%. The Nigeria-Morocco pipeline project further strengthens Nigeria’s regional gas supply and international energy partnerships.
