Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria is embarking on a $25 billion undersea gas pipeline project designed to transport natural gas to Europe via Morocco, a move aimed at positioning the country as a global energy player.

Speaking during a meeting with top executives of Vitol Group the world’s largest independent commodity trader at the Presidential Villa on Monday, Shettima said the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline will run along the West African coast and significantly boost Nigeria’s gas export capacity.

“We are exploring the option of taking our gas to Europe through an undersea pipeline. It’s an expensive venture about $25 billion. But we need your technical expertise more than your money,” Shettima told the Vitol delegation.

The Vice President praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, stating that the administration has taken unprecedented steps to reposition Nigeria as a prime destination for global investment, particularly in the energy sector.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu grew up in that ecosystem energy and finance. In the past 25 years, we haven’t had a leader who has taken such bold decisions removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, and tax reforms. He is putting Nigeria on a new trajectory,” Shettima said.

He described Nigeria’s gas industry as a zone of “stability and transparency,” reiterating the administration’s commitment to a gas-driven economy.

“We have the eighth-largest gas reserve in the world. Our focus on gas is fundamental. The Nigeria LNG has remained insulated from political interference, and what we earn from there is consistent.”

Shettima called on Vitol to leverage its global reach to support Nigeria’s gas infrastructure development:

“It will be a completely transparent management structure. We urge you to come on board.”

In response, Vitol’s Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Dellapina reaffirmed the group’s long-term partnership with Nigeria:

“Nigeria has always been an important country for Vitol. We’ve been involved in downstream operations, financing, trading, and government support. We remain committed to staying and evolving with Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Vitol’s Head of Public Affairs Murtala Baloni highlighted the company’s existing collaborations with Nigerian businesses and authorities, expressing optimism about deeper engagement in future projects.