The Nigeria government has commenced discussion with the north African country, Libya, for the Nigeria-Libya Gas Pipeline project that will run between both countries.
This information was revealed by the Minister of Petroleum (gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as he met with Libya’s Minister of Oil, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik, on the sidelines of the Gastech Exhibition and Conference 2024 that was held in Houston, USA.
Ekpo stated that this upcoming gas pipeline would begin from Nigeria all the way to north Africa, Libya.
According to him, this crucial meeting has an aim of strengthening energy cooperation between the two nations
Taking to his X handle, Ekpo stated:
“Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas),Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, meets with Libya’s Minister of Oil, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik, on the sidelines of the Gastech Exhibition and Conference 2024 holding in Houston, USA, to discuss the possibility of developing a regional gas pipeline from Nigeria to Libya.
“This strategic meeting aims to strengthen energy cooperation between the two nations.
“On the Nigerian delegation were 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 Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas); while the Libyan team had Dr. Basteet Al Ashab, Mr. Khalid Jatbi and Mr. Yousef Al Shatwi.”
Conception of the Idea of the Project
The discussion surrounding the construction of a regional pipeline between Nigeria and Libya has been ongoing for quite some time, as both nations are major oil and gas producers in Africa.
In the year 2022, the then Libya’s Oil Minister, Mohamed Aoun, proposed that the ongoing project of the $13 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) from Nigeria should pass through Libya instead of passing through Algeria, which is another resource-rich African country.
The cross-border pipeline is expected to transport gas from Nigeria to other African nations and the European market upon completion.
The pipeline spans 5,600 km and will pass through 13 African countries: Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.
Significance/Benefits of the Nigeria-Libya Gas Pipeline Project
The proposed Libya-Nigeria gas pipeline project holds significant potential for both countries and the broader region. Here are some key points:
- Economic Benefits: This mega pipeline could bring forth substantial economic benefits for Libya and Nigeria by facilitating the export of natural gas to the neighbouring continent Europe. This would provide a new revenue stream and help diversify their economies1.
- Energy Security: For the neighbouring continent Europe, the upcoming pipeline will offer an alternative source of natural gas, enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on the Russian gas.
- Regional Cooperation: This pipeline project upon completion will promote regional cooperation and integration, as it involves and will pass through multiple African countries. This could eventually lead to improved political and economic ties across the continent.
- Infrastructure Development: The construction of the pipeline would entail significant infrastructure development, this project will eventually create jobs and boosting local economies along the route.
- Environmental Impact: By providing a much cleaner energy source compared to its alternatives coal and oil, the pipeline could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting global climate goals.
Generally, the Libya-Nigeria pipeline project brings forth a strategic initiative with far-reaching implications for economic growth, energy security, and regional cooperation in the African region.
Also read: World’s Largest Iron Steel Plant to be Constructed in Benghazi, Libya
World’s Biggest Man-Made River: The Mega $25 Billion Great Man-Made River Project in Libya
