By Ali Elias
In a bold push to reposition Nigeria as a critical hub in the global energy supply chain, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government is actively seeking $25 billion in investment for a proposed undersea gas pipeline designed to deliver natural gas to Europe via the West African coast.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with executives from Vitol Group—the world’s largest independent energy trader—at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima described the initiative as a strategic pivot in Nigeria’s gas export ambitions, leveraging the country’s massive reserves and newfound economic direction under President Bola Tinubu.
“We are pursuing a $25 billion undersea pipeline from Nigeria through Morocco to Europe. It’s a capital-intensive project, and we need your expertise more than just your money,” Shettima told Vitol’s delegation.
A Pipeline with Geopolitical Weight
The project, known as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, is seen as a geoeconomic asset, especially as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources away from Russia. With the world’s eighth-largest proven gas reserves, Nigeria sees the gas economy—not oil—as its long-term energy identity.
Shettima emphasized that the Tinubu administration is committed to creating a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. He cited major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of exchange rates, and broad tax restructuring, as evidence of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic transformation.
“President Tinubu understands both energy and finance. For 25 years, no leader has made such bold economic decisions,” he said.
Energy Transition and Investor Confidence
The Vice-President called on Vitol and other global investors to support Nigeria’s energy transition, especially in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Associated Petroleum Gas (APG). He said the reduced government interference in gas ventures like NLNG has made returns more stable and reliable.
“We are no longer just an oil country; Nigeria is a gas economy. The earnings from NLNG are steady, which makes this a credible pathway for long-term infrastructure financing,” Shettima said.
Vitol Reaffirms Commitment
Vitol executives expressed optimism about Nigeria’s direction and reiterated their long-standing engagement with the country.
“Nigeria has been a close and crucial partner for Vitol. We’ve worked together across downstream, trading, finance, and infrastructure,” said Jeffrey Dellapina, the group’s CFO.
Vitol’s Head of Public Affairs, Murtala Baloni, also noted the company’s role in Project Gazelle, a $300 million facility extended to NNPC Limited during the COVID-19 crisis, underscoring the depth of Vitol’s partnership with Nigeria.
Transparency and Technical Collaboration
Shettima stressed that while the pipeline is capital-intensive, Nigeria prioritizes technical partnership, project transparency, and long-term strategic alignment with reputable global firms.
“This project will be managed transparently. We want your global expertise, influence, and network. This is where the action is. Invest in Nigeria,” he concluded.