EU seeks to buy more from Nigeria as sanctions against Russia tightens
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Russia can no longer sell gas to European Union (EU) countries as part of sanctions they imposed on it for invading Ukraine. The EU, however, needs gas for heating, cooking, and industrial uses in the face of rising energy prices.
So EU ambassadors have asked Nigeria to increase its current 40 per cent gas export to that trading bloc to help sustain the sanctions and also earn more hard currency for Africa’s largest oil producer.
EU ambassadors in Nigeria made the request when they visited the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in Abuja.
They also sought how to strengthen EU partnership with Nigeria in the energy sector.
“Nigeria is the fourth gas supplier to Europe. At least 40 per cent of the Nigerian LNG [liquefied natural gas] is exported to Europe.
“We are not only major clients for Nigeria, we are also major partners in the oil & gas sector because some of the companies that are working with you are from Europe.
“So, we share the same interest and same objectives,” said EU Ambassador to Nigeria Samuela Isopi, who spoke for the group.
Other Ambassadors on the delegation included Luis Barros (Portugal), Juan Sell (Spain), Stefano De Leo (Italy), and Olivier Chatelais (Deputy Head of French Mission).
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Strengthening EU, Nigerian ties
Isopi said as a result of the geopolitical situation in Europe, the continent is interested in strengthening cooperation with Nigeria, particularly through increase in the supply of LNG.
This is contained in a statement issued by NNPC Group General Manager (Group Public Affairs Division) Garba Muhammad, reported by The Nation.
NNPC Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari assured the delegation that the company will continue to deepen its historical relationship with EU companies in Nigeria.
He said this will add more value to its business, particularly towards increasing gas supply to the global market and increasing domestic gas utilisation.