Tinubu govt eyes Nigeria $20bn gas pipeline Europe project to boost exports, attract investment, and expand energy trade with European markets

Tinubu government unveils ambitious $20bn gas pipeline plan to Europe

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday, 20 March 2026, in London, advanced discussions on a proposed $20 billion transcontinental infrastructure project aimed at transporting natural gas from Nigeria to European markets, in what is being described as a major step in the Nigeria $20bn gas pipeline Europe initiative.

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The proposal, championed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, was discussed during high-level engagements with global energy stakeholders and investors, as Nigeria seeks to expand its presence in the international gas market.

The Nigeria $20bn gas pipeline Europe project is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually from southern Nigeria through Chad and Libya before extending offshore to Sicily in Italy and onward into wider European energy networks.

Ekpo described the initiative as a transformative energy corridor, stating that Nigeria is actively positioning itself as a reliable supplier of natural gas to global markets under improved regulatory frameworks and investment-friendly policies.

He noted that recent reforms, including provisions under the Petroleum Industry Act and executive directives from the presidency, were aimed at creating a more stable and attractive environment for energy investors.

According to him, the project reflects Nigeria’s intention to fully harness its vast gas reserves to drive economic growth, industrial development and regional prosperity.

Officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also expressed support for the proposal, with Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energies, Olalekan Ogunleye, reaffirming the company’s alignment with the government’s gas expansion agenda.

He stated that the national oil company is focused on removing investment bottlenecks and creating commercially viable opportunities across the gas value chain.

Project stakeholders, including Netoil Inc. Chief Executive Officer Roger Tamraz, described the pipeline as both commercially viable and strategically important for Europe’s long-term energy security.

Other partners involved in the discussions said the project could reduce gas flaring in Nigeria while generating employment, attracting foreign investment and strengthening bilateral energy cooperation with Europe.

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Although still at an early stage, the Nigeria $20bn gas pipeline Europe plan is expected to undergo extensive technical, financial and regulatory assessments before final approval and implementation.

If realised, the project could significantly reposition Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market.