Nigeria and Libya governments in 2024 negotiated the proposed Nigeria–Libya Gas Pipeline project, which was intended to build a regional gas pipeline between the two countries.
The negotiations were between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Libya’s Oil Minister, Dr. Khalifa AbduAlsadik. It was held on the sidelines of the Gastech Exhibition and Conference 2024 in Houston, USA. The negotiation lingered on seeking avenues for energy cooperation. Further, it considered examining the feasibility of building a cross-country gas pipeline stretching from Nigeria to North Africa.
Delegates from the two nations participated in the talks, such as their counterparts from Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Libya’s Ministry of Oil. The action was part of broader activities aimed at strengthening regional energy cooperation and catalyzing the development of Africa’s natural gas infrastructure. The project is of monumental significance as it will facilitate projects such as Libya’s offshore oil exploration project, Block 16/4. The project is located at the coast, northwest of Libya, and is headed by a regional subsidiary of Italian energy giant Eni. Moreover, it is responsible for managing the company’s oil and gas operations in North African countries with major focus on Libya. The company is re-entering the C1-16/4 exploratory well, known as BESS-3.
The company aims to complete drilling to its planned final depth of 10,520 feet (3,200 meters). Drilling on the C1-16/4 well originally began on March 11, 2020. However, operations were halted shortly after due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial drilling reached 1,012 feet before the well was temporarily abandoned on April 14, 2020. The C1-16/4 well is located in Contract Area D (MN-41), approximately 95 kilometers offshore from the Libyan coast.
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.
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