Officials from Libya and Nigeria are working to revive a long-dormant natural gas pipeline project that would transport Nigerian gas to Europe via Libyan territory.

The initiative, seen as a strategic boost for both nations, was the focus of a recent high-level meeting in Tripoli between Libya’s Minister of Oil in the Government of National Unity, Khalifa Abdul Sadiq, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari. 

According to a news report published on Saturday, September 13, by Libya Update, the meeting centered on reactivating the proposed pipeline, which has been under consideration for years but has seen little progress.

A key outcome of the discussion was an agreement to facilitate the exchange of technical information between energy experts from both countries. This collaboration is crucial to conducting the detailed studies needed to make the project viable. 

Following these studies, the two nations plan to sign a memorandum of understanding to formally define the project's operational and legal framework.

The proposed pipeline is being hailed as a new "strategic artery" that would not only connect Africa to Europe but also significantly enhance Libya's role as a major energy corridor. For Nigeria, the project offers broader opportunities to expand its gas exports to international markets. 

The revival of the project comes as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources, making the potential for a new gas supply route from Africa particularly timely.

Discussions between Nigeria and Libya about the strategic gas pipeline have been going on for some time despite little progress. 

In September 2024, officials from the two countries held a joint meeting on the sidelines of the 2024 Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Houston to explore the possibility of building a major gas pipeline through Libya.