Nigeria Pursues $25 Billion Undersea Gas Pipeline to Europe

Nigeria is seeking $25 billion in investment to fund the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, a major undersea project designed to transport Nigerian natural gas through West Africa to Morocco and onward to Europe. The initiative underscores Nigeria's strategic push to become a dominant player in global energy supply, especially as Europe diversifies away from traditional sources.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known during a high-level meeting with top executives from Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent energy trader at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

Highlighting the broader economic vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima stated that the administration’s sweeping reforms have positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for global investment, particularly in the energy sector.

“In the past 25 years, we’ve not had a leader with the courage to make far-reaching decisions like President Tinubu,” Shettima said. “From removing fuel subsidies to unifying exchange rates and overhauling tax policy, these reforms are signaling a new direction for Nigeria.”

Shettima urged Vitol to leverage its technical expertise and industry influence to support the pipeline project, noting that Nigeria’s gas sector stands out globally for its relative stability and transparency.

“Our gas industry is more predictable and less subject to interference,” he explained.

“The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), for example, operates with a high level of independence, and we’re looking to replicate that model as we expand infrastructure. We need technical capacity more than capital, although both are critical. Stability in gas supply is non-negotiable, which is why we’re exploring the undersea pipeline route.”

He further described Nigeria as a gas-rich nation, emphasizing that with the eighth-largest gas reserves globally, the country is better classified as a gas economy rather than an oil one.

Shettima called on Vitol to help mobilize global interest and financing for the project, promising a fully transparent governance framework.

In response, Vitol’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Dellapina, reaffirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria.

“Nigeria has always been a strategic partner for us across downstream operations, trading, and financing,” Dellapina said. “We remain committed to supporting the country's growth and are prepared to invest where needed.”

Murtala Baloni, Vitol’s Head of Public Affairs, also cited the company’s role in Project Gazelle, a $300 million crude oil-backed finance facility during the COVID-19 period as proof of its deep engagement with Nigeria’s energy sector.

Thomas de Montulé, Vitol’s Nigeria Country Manager, was also present at the meeting.

The ambitious Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is expected to span several West African countries, strengthening regional integration and enhancing energy security for both Africa and Europe.