Nigeria, Libya revive talks on cross-border gas pipeline 

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Nigeria and Libya are exploring a major cross-border gas pipeline deal as both countries intensify cooperation to harness Africa’s vast natural gas resources for global markets.

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, met with his Libyan counterpart, Dr. Khalifa Rajab Abdulsalek, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, on the sidelines of the GasTech Conference in Milan, where they renewed discussions on the long-proposed Nigeria–Libya gas pipeline.

Ekpo described the talks as a strategic step in advancing Nigeria’s gas diplomacy.

“Nigeria is committed to deepening regional energy cooperation, and the Nigeria–Libya gas pipeline is a project that holds immense potential for both countries and the continent. We are determined to work with our Libyan counterparts to drive it forward,” Ekpo said.

The bilateral engagement concluded with both sides agreeing to set up a technical working group that will focus on feasibility studies, route optimization, and an investment framework for the multi-billion-dollar pipeline.

Libya’s Petroleum Minister, Khalifa Abdulsalek, said the project could transform the region’s energy security outlook.

“This pipeline is more than a transport channel; it is a vehicle for economic integration and energy security across Africa and beyond. Libya stands ready to partner Nigeria in making this a reality,” he affirmed.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s strategy of positioning gas as the country’s transition fuel, while also expanding export routes beyond existing LNG infrastructure.

The Nigerian delegation included top energy leaders such as Senator Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum; Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA; Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Limited; and Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited.

Also present was Ambassador Mustapha Chagwas Mohammed, Nigeria’s Charge D’Affaires to Italy, who emphasized the geopolitical importance of the deal.

The revived discussions come as global gas demand remains strong, with Europe and Asia seeking new supply sources amid ongoing energy market volatility.