Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have entered into a significant agreement to construct a gas pipeline between the two nations, aimed at optimizing the liquefied natural gas facility on Bioko Island.
This deal could pave the way for a broader initiative to establish oil and gas pipelines in the Gulf of Guinea region, connecting both coastal and inland countries to enhance hydrocarbon utilization in Africa and support the continent’s industrialization.
During a three-day state visit to Equatorial Guinea by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu this week, the two countries formalized their commitment to building the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline (GGGP). The primary objective is to transport gas from Nigeria to Equatorial Guinea for processing at the LNG plant in Punta Europa.
The agreement, signed by Tinubu and Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo on the evening of August 14, outlines plans for the pipeline, LNG facility feedstock, and gas sales to power companies and industrial consumers, all aimed at enhancing energy security and regional trade in West Africa.
It also addresses legislative and regulatory aspects related to the GGGP, including ownership, operations, and gas transit arrangements. However, the specific route for the pipeline has not been disclosed.
Antonio Oburu Ondo, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines & Hydrocarbons, remarked, “By partnering with Nigeria, we are not only reinforcing bilateral cooperation but also fostering regional collaboration to ensure a secure and reliable gas supply for our LNG facility at Punta Europa for years to come.
This project will unlock significant economic potential for both our countries, promoting sustainable development and energy security throughout the region.”
Currently, the LNG plant receives gas from Marathon’s Alba gas field and Chevron’s Alen field.
The project will proceed in phases, with the second phase involving the processing of gas from Alba under new contractual terms, while the third phase will utilize gas from Chevron’s Aseng field. Earlier this year, Equatorial Guinea also signed a bilateral trade agreement with neighboring Cameroon to develop trans-border gas and condensate fields, which Chevron operates, with the gas intended for the Bioko LNG plant.
