In the complex world of energy geopolitics, a major project has attracted a lot of attention: the Nigeria-Europe gas pipeline. This project, of considerable strategic and economic importance, raises questions about its final route, between Algeria and Morocco. The contradictory statements from the Nigerian authorities leave doubt as to the route taken by this gas pipeline which should connect several African countries to Europe.
A Major Gas Pipeline
The Nigeria-Europe Gas Pipeline Project is an ambitious plan to transport Nigerian natural gas to Europe, with the potential to meet the growing energy needs of the European continent. However, uncertainties remain regarding the route taken by this gas pipeline.
The president of the 5+5 Energy Transition Commission, Abderrahmane Mebtoul, is concerned about the frequent changes in discourse from Nigerian officials. According to him, “we have been witnessing, for years, contradictory statements from different Nigerian officials regarding the Nigeria-Europe gas pipeline, once it is with Algeria, another with Morocco. »
Nigeria Between Two Chairs
The latest statement comes from the Nigerian Minister of State for Energy, Ekperikpe Ekpo, who announced that “work on the infrastructure of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project will begin in 2024, following the agreement reached with the countries that will be crossed by the pipeline. »
However, in September 2021, the Nigerian Minister of Energy declared that his country had started to implement the construction of a gas pipeline to transport gas to Europe via Algeria, which already has three operational pipelines.
The Challenge of Profitability
Abderrahmane Mebtoul emphasizes that the profitability of the Nigeria-Europe project is based on three crucial conditions. First of all, the mobilization of international financing, involving international groups, is essential. Then, competition from other energy sources, such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, and international competition, will influence the profitability of the pipeline.
Finally, security is a critical factor, as the pipeline will pass through several unstable areas, endangering its viability. Security agreements with certain countries will be essential to guarantee the security of the infrastructure.
The Crucial Choice between Algeria and Morocco
Professor Mebtoul highlights the cost difference between the two potential routes of the gas pipeline. According to an assessment by the European Commission, the construction of the Nigeria-Algeria gas pipeline would cost around $20 billion, for a construction period of 5 years. In comparison, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is estimated at around $30 billion, for a construction period of 8 to 10 years. In addition, the route through Algeria would be 1,532 kilometers shorter than that through Morocco.
The question therefore arises acutely: will Nigeria have to clarify its position once and for all? The choice of route should not only be based on geostrategic considerations, but also on the profitability of the project. Investments in gas are considerable, and the success of the pipeline will depend on future demand, competing energy sources, and infrastructure security.
Ultimately, as Professor Mebtoul points out, “energy is at the heart of state sovereignty and their security policies. » Constantly evolving global economic dynamics are modifying the international balance of power and influencing political recompositions, both within States and at the scale of regional spaces.
The Nigeria-Europe gas pipeline remains a major issue for the region and the entire world. The choice between Algeria and Morocco will have profound implications on the region’s economy and geopolitics. It is time for Nigeria to clarify its position and move forward with informed decisions for the good of all countries involved.
