The Nigerian government has initiated discussions with Libya regarding a potential gas pipeline construction project linking the two countries. This development was revealed by the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, during a meeting with Libya’s Minister of Oil, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik, on the sidelines of the 2024 Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Houston, USA.
Ekpo stated that the proposed pipeline would extend from Nigeria to Libya, aiming to bolster energy cooperation between the two nations.
On his X account, Ekpo posted:
“Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, met with Libya’s Minister of Oil, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik, at the 2024 Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Houston to explore the potential for developing a regional gas pipeline from Nigeria to Libya. This meeting is part of efforts to strengthen energy cooperation between the two nations.”
The Nigerian delegation included Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, EVP Gas NNPC Ltd, Mr. Maher Giundi, International Business Advisor to the GCEO of NNPCL, and Mr. Odiong Ekanem, Technical Adviser to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas). The Libyan side was represented by Dr. Basteet Al Ashab, Mr. Khalid Jatbi, and Mr. Yousef Al Shatwi.
Background:
The idea of constructing a regional gas pipeline between Nigeria and Libya has been under consideration for some time. Both countries are significant oil and gas producers in Africa. In 2022, Libya’s then Oil Minister, Mohamed Aoun, suggested that the $13 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project should pass through Libya instead of Algeria.
The NMGP, which spans 5,600 km and crosses 13 African countries, is designed to transport gas from Nigeria to other African nations and Europe.
What You Should Know:
Nigeria has been transitioning from oil to gas for decades, driven by its vast natural gas reserves, which significantly surpass its crude oil reserves. According to the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC), Nigeria has crude oil reserves of 37 billion barrels and gas reserves of about 202 trillion cubic feet (tcf), with 139.4 tcf being recoverable.
President Tinubu has reinforced this shift towards gas by signing new executive orders to boost the industry. Additionally, three gas plants were recently inaugurated to increase gas production by 25%, located in Delta and Imo states.
