- Nigeria urges international investors to join the $25bn gas pipeline project, emphasising transparency, stability, and technical collaboration.
- The project is gaining momentum with backing from the UAE, European and Islamic banks, the OPEC Fund, and growing interest from the U.S. and China.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Federal government announced its active search for international investors to support the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. This ambitious initiative aims to transport Nigerian natural gas to Europe via Morocco.
Vice President Kashim Shettima urged global partners to invest in the project during a high-level meeting with Vitol Group, a Swiss-based Dutch multinational in energy and commodity trading.
“We call on international investors to mobilise resources and join us in this transparent and strategic initiative,” Shettima said.
He emphasised that Nigeria holds the eighth-largest gas reserves in the world and is committed to fully unlocking this potential. “This is more than just a financial effort,” Shettima added. “It’s a technically demanding project that showcases our stable and transparent gas sector.”
Vitol Group, which has a long-standing presence in Nigeria, responded positively. “Nigeria has been a crucial country for Vitol. We’ve supported financing, trading, and key government initiatives,” said Jeffrey Dellapina, Vitol’s CFO and head of delegation. “We’re committed and ready to deploy capital when needed.”
The Nigeria-Morocco pipeline remains a top priority for the Nigerian government. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the project’s strategic importance in May, underscoring it’s role in enhancing energy exports and regional cooperation.
The project has recently gained significant momentum. The United Arab Emirates has provided substantial funding support, while other major financiers include the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund. China’s Jingye Steel has also secured the contract to supply pipeline materials. The United States has also expressed investment interest.
Morocco has already completed feasibility and engineering studies for the 5,660-kilometre pipeline, which will pass through 13 African countries. First gas deliveries are expected by 2029.
Nigeria and Morocco have formed a joint venture to oversee the project’s implementation, reflecting strong bilateral cooperation and a shared strategic vision.