The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed significant progress in developing a proposed transcontinental gas pipeline intended to transport vast natural gas reserves from Nigeria to European markets. The project, currently in its early developmental phase, is being advanced by a consortium of international energy companies and faces extensive technical, commercial, and regulatory reviews.
According to a statement from Louis Ibah, spokesperson for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the initiative is central to strengthening national energy security and unlocking long-term economic value. The planned pipeline is designed as a transformative gas corridor, with an annual capacity to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas. The route would originate from Nigeria’s southern reserves, traverse Chad and Libya, and extend subsea to Sicily, Italy, and the broader European market.
Minister Ekpo, who recently engaged with key stakeholders in London, described the discussions as timely and historic, positioning Nigeria to attract substantial gas sector investment. He cited the Petroleum Industry Act and presidential executive orders as creating a conducive environment for investors. “We must be intentional in the utilisation of our resources,” Ekpo stated, adding that with appropriate financial backing, he sees no major obstacle to the project’s fruition.
Supporting this outlook, Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President for Gas, Power & New Energies at NNPC Limited, affirmed the national oil company’s full alignment with the project. Ogunleye emphasized that NNPC’s Gas Master Plan is crafted to drive value-chain investments, remove bottlenecks, and partner with credible investors. “The NNPCL is ready for business,” he stated.
Roger Tamraz, Founder and CEO of Netoil Inc.—the company spearheading the consortium—highlighted the pipeline’s commercial viability and strategic importance for Europe’s energy future, citing robust market demand and established financing structures. Other consortium partners, including Unicorn’s CEO Alain Bolo, underscored the project’s potential to significantly reduce gas flaring in Nigeria while establishing the nation as a dominant gas supplier to Europe. Project Director Henry Erimodafe framed the initiative as a “strategic win-win” poised to generate jobs, attract investments, and deliver sustained economic value.
The estimated $20 billion project represents a major pillar in Nigeria’s strategy to monetize its gas resources and diversify its economy. Its success hinges on concluding complex multinational agreements, securing substantial financing, and navigating diverse regulatory landscapes across several countries. If realised, the pipeline could profoundly reshape regional energy dynamics, offering Europe an alternative supply source while positioning Nigeria as a critical node in global energy security. Stakeholders indicate that upcoming phases will focus on finalising front-end engineering design and securing binding commercial agreements.
