Nigeria has stepped up efforts to unlock new international markets for its vast gas reserves, with a plan to take the proposed Nigeria-Libya Gas Pipeline beyond the conceptual stage towards a formal project framework.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, durung a high-level engagement with global energy companies, investors and governments on expanding Nigeria’s gas production, infrastructure, domestic utilisation and export markets.

The renewed push for the Nigeria-Libya pipeline emerged from talks between Ekpo and Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Dr Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek.

Under the proposed framework, Nigeria and Libya are expected to explore a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and establish a joint technical team to assess the feasibility, financing, infrastructure requirements, security considerations and commercial viability of the project.

NNPC Limited is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s participation in the bilateral initiative. If developed, the pipeline would provide another potential route for transporting Nigerian gas through North Africa to European markets, giving Nigeria an additional platform to monetise its gas resources beyond existing LNG channels.

Ekpo said the Federal Government was determined to create an investment environment capable of attracting the capital, technology and strategic partnerships required to convert the country’s gas reserves into economic growth, industrial development and jobs.

“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.

He said NNPC Limited would play a central role in translating Nigeria’s bilateral energy engagements into commercially viable projects, strategic investments and sustainable development.

The minister’s engagements also revealed plans by major industry players to significantly ramp up domestic gas production and infrastructure.

Seplat Energy Plc said it was pursuing initiatives that could increase its gas production to as much as two billion standard cubic feet per day through its ANOH project, western operations and offshore fields.

Discussions with the company also focused on major gas infrastructure projects, including Oso Floating LNG, UTM FLNG and Ibom LNG, as well as financing partnerships and plans for an industrial park around the Qua Iboe Terminal corridor.

The proposed industrial park is expected to support the development of gas-based industries and manufacturing activities, potentially widening the domestic economic benefits of Nigeria’s gas resources.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Mr Osayande Igiehon, briefed the minister on the company’s efforts to expand gas production, improve asset performance and support the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme through the provision of flare sites for commercial development.

Ekpo also pressed for progress on the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project during a meeting with the Country Chairman of Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Chief Joseph Penawou.

The discussions covered contractor payments, project timelines, safety performance and quality assurance, with the minister stressing the importance of delivering the project on schedule to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market.

Beyond Europe, Nigeria is also seeking to widen its customer base in Asia.

During a meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, Bangladesh expressed interest in sourcing Nigerian LNG and crude oil, while both countries explored broader opportunities for energy cooperation.

Nigeria also held talks with the United States on deepening bilateral cooperation in gas investment, technology deployment and energy security.

At a meeting with the United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, Mr James Danly, the two sides also discussed clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving energy access, reducing dependence on traditional fuels and advancing sustainable development.

Ekpo’s engagements extended to other African energy-producing countries, with Senegal expressing interest in Nigeria’s experience in gas development, local content and institutional capacity building.

During a meeting with Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, discussions centred on cooperation across the oil and gas value chain, including potential collaboration involving NNPC Limited, Nigeria LNG Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Nigeria also explored deeper gas-sector cooperation with Russia.

At a meeting with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Roman Marshavin, Ekpo discussed cooperation in the gas industry and a proposal for an annual Gas Investment Forum that would bring together policymakers, investors, developers and financiers.

The Russian delegation expressed support for mobilising financing for gas projects, particularly in developing economies facing funding constraints.

Both countries also reaffirmed cooperation within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and discussed preparations for future engagements in Moscow. (The Sun)