Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on global energy giant Vitol Group to invest in the ambitious $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, a strategic project aimed at enhancing gas exports to Europe and driving Nigeria’s energy transition.
Speaking during a meeting with Vitol executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Shettima emphasized the importance of the project to Nigeria’s economic growth and regional energy integration. He described the initiative as central to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, which includes subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and broad-based tax reforms.
“In the past 25 years, we haven’t had a leader as courageous as President Tinubu… We urge you to use your influence, contacts, and goodwill to mobilise resources for this project,” Shettima said.
The Vice President assured the Vitol team of a transparent management structure and stability within Nigeria’s gas sector, positioning it as a reliable investment destination in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Vitol Group’s Response:
In his remarks, Jeffrey Dellapina, Vitol’s Chief Financial Officer, reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, expressing readiness to deploy capital in support of the country’s energy goals.
“We want to say that Vitol is committed to this country, and we want to stay in this country and evolve with you,” Dellapina stated.
Murtala Baloni, Head of Public Affairs at Vitol, highlighted the company’s track record in Nigeria, including a $300 million investment in Project Gazelle, a crude oil-backed forward-sale facility with NNPC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting signals growing momentum behind the Nigeria-Morocco gas project, which spans several West African countries and is set to transform regional gas infrastructure and boost export capacity to Europe.
