The Federal Government is working to revive plans for a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Libya as part of efforts to expand the country’s gas export routes and attract fresh investment into the sector.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this during the Gastech 2026 conference in Bangkok, Thailand, where he held discussions with energy companies, investors and government officials on Nigeria’s gas development and export plans.
The proposed pipeline was discussed during a meeting between Ekpo and Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek.
Nigeria and Libya are expected to consider signing a Memorandum of Understanding and setting up a joint technical team to examine the proposed project. The assessment would cover the pipeline’s technical requirements, funding, security, infrastructure and commercial viability.
NNPC Limited is expected to lead Nigeria’s participation in the initiative.
If developed, the pipeline could provide Nigeria with another route to move natural gas through North Africa to European markets, complementing the country’s existing liquefied natural gas export channels.
Ekpo said the government was focused on creating conditions that would attract the financing, technology and partnerships needed to develop Nigeria’s gas resources.
“Nigeria is open for business. We have put in place the right fiscal policies and operating environment, and the security of investors and their investments is guaranteed,” he said.
The minister also held discussions with major Nigerian energy companies on increasing domestic gas production and developing infrastructure.
Seplat Energy said its ongoing projects could raise its gas production capacity to about two billion standard cubic feet per day through developments including the ANOH project, western assets and offshore fields.
The company also discussed projects such as Oso Floating LNG, UTM FLNG and Ibom LNG, as well as financing options and plans for an industrial park around the Qua Iboe Terminal corridor.
The proposed industrial park is expected to encourage gas-based manufacturing and other industries, creating additional demand for domestic gas.
Heirs Energies also briefed the minister on its plans to increase gas production and improve asset performance, alongside its participation in the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme.
Meanwhile, the government is pushing for progress on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project.
During a meeting with Daewoo E&C Nigeria Country Chairman, Joseph Penawou, Ekpo discussed the project’s payment arrangements, schedule, safety and quality standards. He stressed the need for the project to be completed on schedule to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international LNG market.
Nigeria is also looking beyond its traditional gas customers as it seeks to expand its export market.
Bangladesh expressed interest in importing Nigerian LNG and crude oil during talks between Ekpo and the country’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. Both sides also explored wider opportunities for energy cooperation.
Discussions with the United States focused on gas investment, technology and energy security, as well as clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving access to modern energy.
Nigeria also explored cooperation with Senegal on gas development, local content and institutional capacity, with possible involvement from NNPC Limited, Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
Talks with Russia centred on gas-sector cooperation and a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum that would bring together investors, developers, policymakers and financiers.
