FG advances transcontinental project linking Africa to Europe, as investors signal strong interest in Nigeria’s gas potential….
The Federal Government has taken fresh steps toward realizing an ambitious transcontinental gas pipeline project designed to transport Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves to European markets, in what could mark a turning point for the country’s position in the global energy landscape.
Still in its early stages, the proposed pipeline is being developed by a consortium of international industry players and will undergo rigorous technical, commercial, and regulatory evaluations. Despite the long road ahead, stakeholders say the project holds the potential to reshape Nigeria’s energy exports while strengthening economic ties with Europe.
According to a statement issued by Louis Ibah, spokesperson for the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and unlock long-term economic value from Nigeria’s gas resources.
The pipeline, described as a game-changing energy corridor, is expected to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually. The route will originate from Nigeria’s southern gas fields, pass through Chad and Libya, and extend offshore to Sicily in Italy, before feeding into the wider European energy network.
Discussions around the project recently gathered momentum in London, where Ekperikpe Ekpo met with key stakeholders and investors. He characterized the engagement as both timely and historic, emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness to attract significant investment into its gas sector.
He pointed to recent reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act and executive directives from the presidency, as critical enablers that have improved the investment climate.
“We must be deliberate in how we harness our resources,” the minister said, stressing that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves present a unique opportunity to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Ekpo also expressed confidence that with the right financial backing, the project can move from concept to reality without major obstacles.
Supporting this outlook, Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energies at NNPC Limited, highlighted the alignment between the project and Nigeria’s broader gas development strategy. He noted that the national oil company is focused on unlocking value across the entire gas value chain while creating an enabling environment for investors.
According to him, ongoing reforms and gas-focused initiatives by the government are already laying the groundwork for increased investment and operational efficiency in the sector.
Driving the project from the private sector side is Roger Tamraz, founder and CEO of Netoil Inc., who described the pipeline as both commercially viable and strategically essential for Europe’s future energy needs. He pointed to strong demand signals and financing structures that could support the project’s execution.
Other partners within the consortium share similar optimism. Alain Bolo, CEO of Unicorn, emphasized the project’s potential to curb gas flaring while positioning Nigeria as a key supplier in the global gas market.
Meanwhile, the project’s director at Netoil, Henry Erimodafe, described the initiative as a “win-win” scenario, capable of generating jobs, attracting investment, and delivering long-term economic benefits.
If successfully executed, the pipeline could significantly elevate Nigeria’s role in global energy supply, offering a new export route at a time when Europe is actively seeking to diversify its energy sources.
About the Author
