Al-Shalwi: The Nigerian Gas Pipeline Through Libya Could Be a Century-Defining Project Capable of Reshaping Libya’s Economy

Oil and economic expert Abdulmonem Al-Shalwi has written an article arguing that Libya has a unique opportunity to position itself as the most viable route for transporting Nigerian natural gas to Europe, potentially transforming the country’s role in the global energy landscape.

A Historic Opportunity for Libya

According to Al-Shalwi, Libya possesses a geographical and economic advantage that could make it the most practical route for a future Nigerian gas pipeline to Europe if this advantage is translated into a comprehensive national project supported by diplomacy, investment, and economic planning.

He argues that major transformations in the energy sector are not driven by chance but by geography combined with political vision and national determination. In his view, Libya stands before one of the most significant strategic opportunities in its modern history: attracting the Nigerian gas pipeline project through Libyan territory.

Al-Shalwi emphasizes that this is not merely a competition for an infrastructure project but a competition for Libya’s place in the global energy map over the next fifty years.

A Three-Way Race

The article identifies three main routes currently competing to transport Nigerian gas to Europe:

1. The Algerian route: Nigeria – Niger – Algeria.
2. The Moroccan route: Nigeria – Morocco.
3. The Libyan route: Nigeria – Niger – Chad – Libya – Europe.

Al-Shalwi stresses that this competition should not be viewed through a narrow political lens. Rather, each country is pursuing its legitimate national interests through diplomatic and economic efforts.

He notes that:

• Algeria benefits from an existing export network and extensive experience in gas trade.
• Morocco relies on broad international partnerships and a route passing through numerous African countries.
• Libya may possess the decisive advantage: the shortest route, lower costs, and quicker access to European markets.

Why Libya Could Be Competitive

According to the article, the proposed Libyan route offers several advantages:

• An estimated length of approximately 3,300 kilometers.
• More than 1,000 kilometers shorter than some competing alternatives.
• Existing gas infrastructure in western Libya.
• Potential integration with the existing Greenstream Pipeline between Mellitah and Sicily.
• The shortest maritime distance to Europe.
• Opportunities for future export expansion at lower additional costs.

Al-Shalwi argues that in the energy industry every additional kilometer increases investment requirements, risks, and project payback periods. For this reason, he believes international investors focus heavily on economic feasibility rather than political considerations alone.

What Nigeria Is Looking For

The article suggests that Libya should focus not on what it needs, but on what Nigeria wants from the project.

According to Al-Shalwi, Nigeria is seeking:

• The lowest possible transportation cost.
• Fast access to European markets.
• Reduced operational risks.
• Strong investment returns.
• A reliable long-term partner.
• Secure international financing.

If Libya can offer a package that meets these objectives better than competing routes, he argues that economic considerations may increasingly favor the Libyan option.

Europe’s Need for Diversified Gas Supplies

Al-Shalwi notes that Europe has become increasingly committed to diversifying its energy supplies and reducing dependence on single suppliers.

In this context, Europe seeks:

• New sources of natural gas.
• Stable supplies.
• Multiple transportation routes.
• Reduced supply interruption risks.

He argues that Libya could present itself not merely as a transit country but as a strategic partner in European energy security.

Economic Benefits

The article argues that the benefits would extend well beyond transit fees.

Potential gains include:

Transit Revenues

Long-term annual income streams that could continue for 30 to 40 years.

Foreign Direct Investment

The project would require:

• Compression stations.
• Operations centers.
• Storage facilities.
• Connecting infrastructure.
• Ports and logistics services.

According to Al-Shalwi, this could bring billions of dollars in investment into Libya.

Employment

The project could create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in:

• Engineering.
• Transportation.
• Services.
• Maintenance.
• Contracting.

Development of Southern Libya

He describes the pipeline as a historic opportunity to transform large areas of southern Libya into centers of economic activity rather than merely transit zones.

Expansion of Libyan Gas Exports

A major pipeline network crossing Libya could eventually facilitate increased exports of Libya’s own natural gas and allow additional gas fields to be connected to European markets.

Geopolitical and Security Benefits

Al-Shalwi argues that successful implementation would transform Libya into:

• A regional energy hub.
• A strategic corridor linking Africa and Europe.
• A key player in Mediterranean energy markets.
• An influential participant in Africa-Europe cooperation initiatives.

He further suggests that large-scale infrastructure projects often contribute to stability by:

• Increasing investment.
• Strengthening security requirements.
• Improving public services.
• Expanding employment opportunities.
• Reducing illicit activities.
• Enhancing state presence in remote areas.

Has Libya Done Enough?

The author acknowledges that Libya’s oil sector has recently taken positive steps, including technical meetings with Nigerian counterparts and the establishment of committees to study preliminary proposals and memoranda of understanding.

However, he questions whether Libya’s current efforts match the scale of competition from Algeria and Morocco.

In his view, Libya still needs to:

• Intensify political engagement with Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.
• Accelerate detailed feasibility studies.
• Develop more attractive investment and financing packages.
• Engage international financial institutions.
• Build partnerships with major energy companies.
• Launch a professional international promotional campaign for the project.

Conclusion

Al-Shalwi concludes that the Nigerian gas pipeline through Libya would be far more than a transportation project. He describes it as a long-term source of revenue, a platform for attracting investment, a tool for increasing geopolitical influence, a catalyst for southern development, and an opportunity to establish Libya as a strategic energy hub between Africa and Europe.

He argues that geography alone will not determine the outcome of the competition with Algeria and Morocco. Instead, success will depend on Libya’s ability to convert its geographical advantages into a compelling economic, investment, and security proposition.

According to Al-Shalwi, if Libya acts quickly and presents itself as a reliable and capable partner, its chances of securing the project remain strong. If momentum is lost, however, competing countries will continue advancing their own proposals.

He concludes that in the energy sector, major opportunities are often lost not because they do not exist, but because countries fail to move quickly enough to seize them.