As the morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima welcomed a delegation from Vitol Group with a message that carried both urgency and ambition: “This is where the action is. Invest in Nigeria.”
The stakes are high. Nigeria is pursuing a $25 billion undersea gas pipeline — a colossal infrastructure project that could carry its abundant natural gas all the way to Europe via Morocco. The vision is clear: transform Nigeria from a fossil-fuel exporter with local struggles into a central player in global energy security.
But this isn’t just about laying pipes beneath the ocean floor. It’s about reshaping perceptions, attracting investment, and rewriting Nigeria’s economic narrative — a story that Shettima, with a mix of confidence and candor, was eager to share.
From Lagos to Lisbon: The Dream of a Gas Superhighway
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline isn’t new on paper, but it’s finally gaining traction. Once complete, the pipeline will snake through over a dozen West African countries, eventually linking with European grids. For Nigeria, it’s not only a route to revenue — it’s a strategic lifeline that could redefine its place in the global energy ecosystem.
“This project is not just infrastructure — it’s legacy,” Shettima told the Vitol executives. “It reflects our shift from oil dependence to gas leadership. Nigeria is a gas economy, and the world is just starting to realize that.”
Shettima’s voice carried the weight of someone who has witnessed missed opportunities — but who also sees an open window.
The Human Capital Behind the Resources
Nigeria’s natural gas reserves are the eighth largest in the world, yet millions of Nigerians live without steady power. For Shettima, bridging that irony begins with unlocking investment and expertise — not just money.
“We need your technical know-how more than your money,” he said, explaining that reliability of gas supply and global standards were top priorities. “We want to do this right. This is why we’re engaging the best.”
The Vitol team, led by CFO Jeffrey Dellapina and Country Manager Thomas de Montulé, nodded in affirmation. Dellapina recalled Vitol’s history in Nigeria — one that stretches from fuel trading to emergency financial support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vitol partnered with the NNPC to inject $300 million into the economy under Project Gazelle.
“We’ve walked alongside Nigeria in tough times,” Dellapina said. “And we’re ready to deepen that relationship.”
A New Nigeria, A New Playbook
Vice President Shettima didn’t shy away from discussing the nation’s past missteps. But he pointed to what he sees as a turning point under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership: the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of exchange rates, and bold tax reforms.
“For 25 years, no leader has taken such decisive economic action,” Shettima said. “Tinubu understands both finance and energy — he came from that world. Investors should take note.”
At the heart of Shettima’s pitch was transparency. He described the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) model as an example of how reduced government interference can lead to consistent and reliable returns.
“What we earn from NLNG is steady. That’s why we’re confident in expanding gas exports through this undersea pipeline,” he said.
Hope Beneath the Waves
The pipeline’s $25 billion price tag makes it one of the most expensive infrastructure proposals on the continent — but for Shettima, it’s also one of the most vital. Beyond economic statistics and investor decks lies a deeper hope: that this project will signal a new era, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa’s role in the global energy map.
“This pipeline is not just steel and gas. It’s a message — that Nigeria is ready,” Shettima concluded. “We invite you to be part of that message.”
As the Vitol team departed, the sense in the room wasn’t just about closing deals. It was about opening doors — to new markets, new partnerships, and a Nigeria determined to prove that it can deliver more than potential. It can deliver results.
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