Nigerian, Qatari Energy Ministers Agree To Deepen Gas Partnership

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President/CEO of Qatar Energy, and His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President/CEO of Qatar Energy, have convened in Doha to solidify plans for deepening the gas partnership between the two countries.

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources stated that a high-level bilateral meeting was held at Qatar Energy’s headquarters, where both ministers explored strategic avenues to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) collaboration. Discussions focused on optimising LNG cargo swaps to reduce shipping time and costs, sharing shipping routes to expand Africa-Asia LNG connectivity, and investing jointly in advancing floating LNG (FLNG) technology, small-scale LNG initiatives, and gas monetisation projects.

Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative was central to the talks. This policy framework aims to harness the nation’s vast natural gas reserves—estimated at over 203 trillion standard cubic feet—between 2021 and 2030. This initiative targets industrialisation, economic diversification, and expanded clean energy access, aligning closely with Qatar’s global expertise and investment interests in LNG and natural gas infrastructure.

The ministry said the partnership extended beyond mere gas supply and includes cooperation on pipeline projects such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline. Both of these pipelines offer prospects to deliver African gas to European markets, thereby strengthening energy security and trade routes. Nigeria also plans to leverage Qatar’s diplomatic and commercial acumen to open new markets and enhance its LNG export capacity.

Recent contractual agreements in Nigeria’s gas industry, including long-term gas supply deals between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and local gas suppliers, underpin the domestic readiness to support this enhanced international cooperation. These agreements secure over 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day of gas feedstock, crucial for stable LNG production and export.

This growing partnership signifies a shared vision to transform gas resources into sustainable economic growth and energy diversification, combining Nigeria’s abundant reserves with Qatar’s technological and financial capacities. By joining forces, the two nations aim to play pivotal roles in the global energy transition while reinforcing their leadership in the gas sector across Africa and beyond.

This strengthened alliance is expected to yield economic benefits, job creation, and cleaner energy solutions, fortifying the energy security of both countries and the regions they influence.