The federal government says it has stepped up high-level discussions with stakeholders on a proposed $20 billion transcontinental gas pipeline aimed at delivering its vast natural gas to European markets.
The Trans-Sahara gas pipeline (TSGP) is a proposed 4,128 km
pipeline intended to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas
annually from Nigeria, through Niger and Algeria, to European markets.
In a statement on Thursday, Louis Mbah, spokesperson to
Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), said the
project aims to boost energy security and create sustainable economic benefits
over time.
The statement noted that the TSGP, described as a
transformative gas corridor, 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, Italy, and into the broader European market.
”The proposed pipeline, still at an early development
stage, is being advanced by a consortium of global industry players and will be
subject to extensive technical, commercial and regulatory processes, with
stakeholders expressing optimism that it could redefine Nigeria’s role in the
global energy market while deepening ties with Europe,” the statement reads.
Ekpo, who joined key industry stakeholders in London, United
Kingdom (UK), for discussions on the proposed pipeline, described the
engagement as both timely and historic.
“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,” he said.
“We must be intentional in the utilisation of our resources,
so long as we have these reserves, we must take adlvantage of them and better
the lives of those in the region.”
With appropriate financial backing in place, the minister
said he sees no obstacle to the project coming to fruition.
Also speaking, Olalekan Ogunleye, executive
vice-president, gas, power & new energies at NNPC, reaffirmed Nigeria’s
policy alignment and readiness for investment.
“The NNPCL 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, NNPCL is ready
for business.”
Roger Tamraz, founder and chief executive officer of Netoil
Inc., who is spearheading the project, described the pipeline as both
commercially viable and strategically important for Europe’s energy future,
citing strong demand and accessible financing options.
Alain Bolo, chief executive officer (CEO) of Unicorn Energy
Resources, emphasised the project’s potential to reduce gas flaring and
strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading gas supplier to Europe.
On February 12, 2025, Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger endorsed
the steering committee resolutions for the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline project.
The federal government is also building the Nigeria-Morocco
gas pipeline (NMGP) project, which will traverse 13 West African countries and
Morocco before reaching Europe.
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