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Following gas cuts by Russia, the European Union is looking to Nigeria as an alternative to augment its gas needs.

The Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Department of Energy, Matthew Baldwin, said Friday “Europe is in a tight spot in relation to gas following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and instability in our gas market, the threat perhaps to cut off supply altogether.”

Mr Baldwin, who visited Abuja, told journalists that the EU is looking to increase Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from Nigeria to above the current levels.

Nigeria currently supplies 14 per cent of the EU’s gas imports, while 60 per cent of the entire shipments of LNG from Nigeria goes to Europe, he said.

“We want to expand what is currently at 14 per cent share of total LNG.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/544394-european-union-seeks-more-gas-imports-from-nigeria.html?s=09
https://www.nairaland.com/7242241/eu-looks-nigeria-gas-replace?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&s=09

Bad Governance will still be an issue here, not for the Europeans but 4 Nigerians and her citizens. Most Refining Petroleum Companies have been dormant for a while since this year. E.g Port Harcourt/ Eleme Refinary haven't done shit as far as I know.  Talks about it's partnership should commence from August.

I do not read much about the present Ukraine war any longer if compared to two or three months when the war started, but as at then, I have been reading news concerning the countries that European Union will export more gas from and some of the countries are from Africa, especially Nigeria, Libya and Egypt. These countries are supplying EU before but there would be increase in the supply of gas to EU.

Ukraine crisis: Can Africa replace Russian gas supplies to Europe? (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61334470)

According to what I read in the past, that the supply from Africa may not be enough for EU, so seen a proposal for the supply to be increased is not a surprise, this will help Nigeria economy.

It is far more than 10 years ago that largest Nigerian refineries have not been functional. Presently today, Nigeria export crude oil and import refined oil by-products from outside Nigeria, that has been a curse on the country as a result of mismanagement. I do not even hear much about Dangote Lekki refinery any longer, which suppose to be the largest refinery in Africa if the refinery is fully operational

Also because of petroleum, Nigeria diverted their productivity away from Agriculture and export of some natural resources like coal deposit in Enugu. But the worst part of it is that Nigeria is not growing in technology which makes the future of the country have little or retarded development.

The EU are searching for alternatives to Russian gas, gas is a major player in this war between Ukraine and Russia, with Russia using Europe's dependence on its gas to escape some more threatening sanctions, and also to keep their economy going, needless to say that is why they now want only their currency, the rubles, to be the only currency used when buying gas from them.

The problem for the EU is if they will be able to get enough alternatives that will be sufficient to supply gas to them, it won't be easy, breaking off dependency is always hard, not only in this situation. Gas will continue to be scarce for a long while, and it will be expensive to purchase, a total removal of dependency on Russian gas might even take many years, and in those years there will be problems coping with demand for gas.

Though the EU has to try, Nigeria can be a good option for them if they explore the opportunities properly, other alternatives too; the EU just has to try, i am sure they are not only thinking of now, it is unpredictable what can happen in some years time, they wouldn't want a similar thing to happen some years from now where Russia takes another harsh action, and everyone has to dance to their tune because they supply you most of your gas. This is proactive measures i think.

Russian gas, in fact, has become a new "economic weapon of mass destruction" ... This is how Russia wanted to do it. Well, the country is a terrorist - it's stupid to expect something else from it!
But it turned out that this is more like mining your house, and shouting "if you do not agree to our conditions now, we will blow it up!" :)
Why ? And here's why! This is not what Ukrainian politicians or journalists are talking about (who can be suspected of some kind of propaganda), but the EU is talking about it. And he says the following: "Russian gas not bought by Europe is tearing the gas industry of Russia from the inside! Gazprom, from March 2022 to today, has already reduced gas production by 15%. Gas storage facilities are almost fully loaded, soon Russia will be forced to mothball wells."

At the same time, the EU, in addition to finding new suppliers, including Nigeria, adopts a resolution on a 15% reduction in the consumption of Russian gas. For review link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_4608

Nigeria in this situation has a great chance to provide itself with high-quality contracts for the supply of gas to the EU for many decades, which will allow it to continue to actively develop and become a leader in the region!

I have expected this to happen since the Russian and Ukrainian war started and the supply of gas and crude was cut off from Europe by Russia. Surely Europe can't stay comfortably without warning their houses. Africa and Asia seem to be the option for Europe but that visit to Nigeria by the commission says it all that Nigeria has been found as the preferred choice. This is suppose to make Nigeria to increase in gas production and it is also suppose to increase her national income but the refineries are not functional and most of the crude is still refined outside the shores of Nigeria. Nigeria is the 6th largest producer of crude but it has not reflected in her economy because refineries are not functioning

This is still not going to make more of a common sense where crude will be processed out of the country and the by products are still imported to the country as finished products. It is disheartening in Nigeria the way the government has managed her affairs and incentives that are suppose to be an advantage to the economy won't reflect that.

It is the EU that does not want to buy gas from Russia; Russia does not cut anything off from the EU.

You chose to believe the lying narrative. I guess it help you sleep better.
However, you're off topic here.


The Russians thought that Europe will turn a blind eye on the war, like they did with Crimea, to keep them connected to the pipe.
Also they've made it overly expensive (to finance the war), forgetting that on such prices other sources can easily become attractive.


I guess than only the LNG part can be expanded; the pipes for actual gas are long and might need developed more, and that's overly costly.
However, it can easily be a good move for both Nigeria and Europe. And even if the current govt doesn't do great there, there's always hope the next one will do better.

Uncle, who imposed sanctions on whom?

"Oil and gas

Russia is thought to have earned nearly $100bn (£82.3bn) from oil and gas exports during the first 100 days of the war.

Sanctions targeting its exports have been announced:

The European Union (EU) says it will ban all imports of oil brought in by sea from Russia by the end of 2022
The US is banning all Russian oil and gas imports
The UK will phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022
Germany has frozen plans for the opening of a major gas pipeline from Russia
The EU said it will halt Russian coal imports by August
The EU is less keen to impose sanctions on Russian gas, because it relies on it for about 40% of its gas needs.

In March, it said it would reduce gas imports by two-thirds within a year, but has not agreed further action."


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60125659

According to what I read some days ago:

Since Russia invaded Ukraine it has cut supplies to a number of countries which have rejected its demand for payment for gas in roubles, including Poland, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Finland. (https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62230201.amp)

EU were not paying in Rubles before, Russia want to force EU to pay in Rubles, EU do not want to pay in Rubles. Then Russia do not want to supply.

I also read a news related to how Russia is not supply gas to Germany through the Nord Stream 2, but said to be under maintenance.

Germany fears Russia might not resume service after gas supply halts for repairs (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w172ydpg2hn759j)
Nord Stream 2: US and Germany reach deal on controversial Russian gas pipeline (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57923655.amp)
Russia Resumes Nord Stream Gas Flow, Bringing Europe Respite (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-21/nord-stream-says-russian-gas-shipments-resume-on-thursday)

The last I read was that Russia has begun to supply gas through the Nord Stream 2 again. But we all know how that might be related to the war, or maybe not.

Just brought this up to see if your claim is true or not.

10 EU countries pay safely in rubles.

Nord Stream 2 is blocked by Germany, they don't give a certificate.

Nord Stream works, but it lacks a turbine (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-21/turbine-for-nord-stream-1-is-still-in-transit-in-germany).This pipeline was on a planned technical shutdown, everyone concerned knew about it. But someone started the hysteria.

Don't confuse the two different pipelines.

Nigerian gas may close the supply gap, but it will definitely not be a full-fledged replacement, since the EU bought gas from Russia at the best price on the market. Even if the volumes are the same, the price will obviously be higher, which will also be a cause for dissatisfaction

It is difficult to expect that anyone will be able to offer the price of gas that the EU paid (and still pays) to Russia and which is delivered by gas pipeline. Everything that comes by sea is of course more expensive because the gas must be converted into a liquid for transport and then converted back into gas in the LNG terminal.

The EU is looking for gas everywhere, so Canada (https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-says-with-russia-weaponizing-energy-canada-looking-at-how-to-supply-europe-1.5997363) has been mentioned as one of the possible partners for some time, although agreements have yet to be reached. However, regardless of all the negotiations, next winter in the EU we will face restrictions, because it is not realistic to fill the underground storages to the appropriate capacity in such a short period of time.

The volumes will most probably also not be the same. And I find this a bigger problem than the prices.
The international prices have skyrocketed anyway for no reason: the gas hasn't change, just the Russians have decided to ask more for it (and in their unrealistically "strong" fiat too).
Imho the more sources the better: let there be competition. We can see where allowing the (Russian) monopoly got us.

Am I the only one to whom this idea seems absurd if it is expected to be realized in the near future? How long will it take to lay the pipes and build the stations? If obtaining licenses from transit countries alone may cost years, then how is the case with energy companies that may not have the capacity to bear such a huge project, especially if we exclude from them the Russian and Chinese companies, which will not support the idea in any case and will therefore not stand by and watch the path of their interests It turns towards the south of the globe.

Isn't Nigeria already in the bag with China (as in they already do major business with them), so a comparable oil trade with the EU is out of the question? At least that is what I can infer with the other African countries.

Yeah they can be developed since not really having a higher standard and as equipped as they should be. Transportation of this gas across won't be a drawback as they would be reduced.
I pray and hope that funds and revenues generated from this are well circulated and allocated tod the masses and not  to them selfish leaders ( we hope for a better change we have always envisaged since the Endsars protests ).

LNG and Nigerian Securities are also doing well to keep off and combat Anti-.Pipeline Vandalism in some areas with big trace of Crude oil.
Resides close to a Refinary Company so I have seen all of these acts carried out. But ditching Russians Gas and oil will still take some time. Good to see how Europeans are improvising. Lately, POTUS also paid visit to Saudi Arabia, seems like it should be Gas related.

It is not that they do not want to buy from Russia, they are forced by what Russia are doing. Why fund a WAR by buying oil from Russia, that might end up at their door step in the future. It was a collective decision from a lot of countries not to buy from Russia... so they are keeping their promise.

Also, why should you buy from a country that are at war.... when you can buy from other countries where they have a stable economy and also a solid political stance on that war.  ;)

Are you talking about Nigeria now?

Because they'll surely benefit from it. Those gas will surely be at a lower rate since the country wants to dispose of it faster and get more funds to get their war machinery going. The Europeans aren't known for their righteousness anyways, so they'd still buy from a country that is at war with itself and get a better deal while they're at it.

The only problem though is the proceeds on these purchase. Nigeria is known to be plagued with corrupt government officials, but I guess that is a problem that the country has to solve on its own and the Europeans couldn't care less.

Shame on Robert Habek: no one wants to help him save energy (https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft-verantwortung/blamage-fuer-habeck-niemand-will-ihm-beim-energie-sparen-helfen-li.249440)

If this pans out, I just wish Nigeria gets what they should and use that to improve the situation in the country. Hopefully that can bring some systemic change that is also needed, because money is only a part of the issue. Hiwever, I would also like to se a gradual reduction of gas dependency and a turn towards greener solutions.

For this reasons as stated with no functional refineries even as the 6th world's producers, this news comes as a no breaker to me. Its all going to be the same with Nigeria, your not going to find any improvement as per economy instead, you'll see these things being catered out and the people remain in poverty.
It's that bad to have refineries and yet nothing works in them. Even at that, the staff continues to be paid huge because, they aren't exact out of jobs but, they aren't producing nothing and there are inflations everywhere you turn. A change of governance is really what we need right now and I really hope Nigerians gets to use the pools and give this nation a chance to go green again.

Nigeria is an okay country (maybe not great, but they're not waging a bloody war to grab more land from a sovereign state, and also less authoritarian according to democracy index than UAE), and I think helping it out is a good thing to do. More importantly, it's crucial to ensure Russia runs out of money for the war as fast as possible, so any reasonable short-term solutions can be explored. I don't know if Nigeria will technically be up to the task, so more options should probably be explored, but I like this line of thought.

The natural gas export from Russia to Europe isn't under any EU sanctions right now, but the EU has declared that it will cut off Russian oil and gas completely after 10 years. I'm not sure that they are going to keep this promise. Putin is about to stop the gas supplies in the upcoming winter.
Countries like Nigeria, Algeria and Azerbaijan cannot replace the Russian gas for Europe. The USA can't do it as well. The EU countries will have to reduce the consumption of natural gas and find alternative fuels.
I don't know anything about the Nigerian gas industry, but I'm sure that Nigeria can't export larger quantities to Europe. There will be a global shortage of gas tankers.

Who told you this interesting news?

"Western leaders have imposed a series of sanctions on Russian oil and gas following the invasion of Ukraine.

The EU has agreed to ban all Russian oil imports which come in by sea by the end of this year.

It will allow oil to continue to be imported by pipeline, with EU leaders saying this is a "temporary measure" because countries like Hungary and Slovakia depend on it.

The EU has also committed to reducing gas imports from Russia by two-thirds within a year, but it has been hard to get agreement on any further measures, such as an outright import ban.

In addition to these EU sanctions, the US has declared a complete ban on Russian oil and gas imports. The UK is to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of the year. ..."

https://www.bbc.com/news/58888451

Now I have seen in the news that Biden has gone to Saudia Arabia for the oil and gas supply.
What they have done to themselves but putting in so many sections. NOw the oil prices have gone so high and there will be another episode of inflation around the globe.

This is exactly how it is; they merely use Nigeria as a bait to get what they want, careless of the consequences of how they utilize the money. I only hope that the decision-makers managing this will consider and weigh dealings that will benefit the nation as a whole if not, then this is a no-go area for them.

Now the EU is in trouble - USA is in trouble.
They were putting sanctions on Russia and now they are all in trouble and running here and there for the oil supply.
They thought they can weaken Russian but the putting sanction on them but they are in a very bad situation.

If this story has somehow truth in it, then, the Nigerian government should see it as good opportunity.
Yes, they are known to have a corrupt government. But they can very well generate good income from this situation.
It may help their people alleviate the poverty level in so many ways. I hope their government see this as opportunity and not just another way to gain personal wealth.
Countries around the globe are looking for potential oil sources, not only EU, so hopefully, this crisis will give a very good chance for Nigeria to utilize their own resources and gain from this situation.

Russia is not interested in stopping the export of fuel to Europe and will always be a reliable supplier, which guarantees the energy security of the EU countries "not declaratively, but de facto."
Peskov

https://ria.ru/20220725/turbina-1804747038.html

You have forgotten to say why, but I will do it for you: All the south of Europe is absolutely independent from RF gas exports. Portugal, Spain and Italy have liquefaction capability for 100% of their own demand. Why would these countries have to save gas? They are not getting it from Putin.

In fact Italy and to a point Spain will be supplying central Europe with Algerian gas.

Where you are trying to imply dissent, there is only but caveats on Putin's plans.


Whatever ministers from RF say, it is meaningless. They are not in control of the country and have very limited information about what is going on.

Although this move would be quit expensive for European nations but they are desperate to gain energy freedom form Russia. This is because there are no guarantees that Russian invasion would end with Ukraine. Hence, there is an urgent need to secure the oil and gas future of Europe. Nigeria is a good alternative because the country possess enough natural and human resources but the only issue that would mar the smooth take-off and implementation of this trade partnership is corruption. Funds that would be budgeted to improve infrastructure to ensure the success of the project might end up in private accounts. EU most ensure that they carryout proper monitoring and auditing of this project if they want to get the best out of it.

Stupidity from EU guys has no limit. A school going kid would tell you that pipeline gas can never be replaced with LNG. On top of that they are talking about unreliable suppliers such as Nigeria. One thing is sure. After this war, the EU will be broke and it's industry will be completely destroyed. In a few years, Russia will divert their gas to China and other Asian countries and EU will still struggle to find enough supplies to keep it's industrial units running. Inflation and unemployment will reach sky high levels, and the stupid residents will still support warmongers like Green party.

Since when did Peskov become a minister?

The main problem is not finding a supplier and the EU trades well with many countries corrupt, despotic and anything else. Argelia has gas, the US has gas, Oman has gas...

The problem is that Germany's supply lines are built around getting a cheap supply by pipelines from Siberia. Bringing gas from overseas requires regasification facilities that take a few years to be built.


Officials.


You went to the wrong school. It can be replaced, it just takes time. But EU should not just do that, it should implement the true energy transition to a high level of renewables.

No matter who is telling what. Some are clueless and the rest are blatantly lying.

---

Now Gasprom has found another motif to cut the gas: an alleged problem with a turbine.
Russia’s Gazprom to slash gas to Germany, as Putin fosters uncertainty in Europe (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russias-gazprom-to-slash-gas-to-germany-as-putin-fosters-uncertainty-in-europe/ar-AAZWWYp)
I wonder where will be the end of this sad game.

Weren't you told that they increased the pressure through Ukraine?
This ridiculous hysteria is designed for incompetent listeners.

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ukraine-says-russia-increases-gas-pipeline-pressure-without-prior-notice-2022-07-26/

I don't understand Europe's whining about Gazprom. Europe has frozen Russian money (having shown itself to be an unreliable buyer), Europe has already imposed seven packages of sanctions against Russia, Europe has openly declared economic war on Russia, Europe has nationalized Gazprom's underground storage facilities, Europe is cultivating Russophobia and the abolition of Russian culture - so why is Europe complaining about a decrease in supplies gas? Rejoice that at least 20%, not zero.

Walk around the market, look for cheaper places. In Nigeria? Good luck. In Africa, former European colonizers are respected and loved. And in general, the plan to replace Russia with the most criminalized country in Africa looks reliable like a Swiss watch. ;D

I’m not surprised to say the least about this move by the European Union to go looking for alternative suppliers of energy elsewhere. Having been so indebted to Russia for far too long for its energy supply, the European Union and the west in general must look to other sources of oil.
With Bidens visit to Saudi Arabia to implore them to increase production and supply of oil, It’s not a surprise to see world leaders looking elsewhere to satisfy their energy needs.

Of course you don't, since you chose to trust Putin's propaganda instead of fact-checking everything.
Of course you don't, since you chose to ignore everybody who tells that Putin uses the gas as a war weapon.

But yeah, I don't know why I'm even answering. But at least I won't answer to your friend.

Africa is solution to all problems of rest of the world. Birthplace of humanity, full of gold and diamond and now oil being another. Preservers of nature, while rest of world destroys. But for its inhabitant its a really harsh place, So many tropical diseases and problems. Ah!  Africa the dark continent, come up and rise your time is now.

Of course, Putin uses gas as a weapon. It would be strange and stupid of him not to use such a powerful lever of pressure on Europe - and he uses it in a brilliant style. Pumping through Nord Stream at 20% of capacity now brings Russia more money than pumping through Nord Stream at 100% six months ago, because the spot gas price is now ten times higher. Europe should learn from Russia how to impose sanctions in order to deliver maximum pain to the opponent and at the same time not harm its own economy. And you thought Russia would silently endure the flows of European shit in its direction? Be patient, it will get worse, much worse. In Europe, the limit of sanctions pressure on Russia has already been exhausted, and Russia has not really even started yet.

I'm genuinely surprised you admit that.


I know it will. I don't trust politicians, no matter what's their color. But I guess you also know/expect that it will be worse for both sides.

RF can do damage to EUs economy, but it is very limited in time and in its effects. Eventually, this will lead to EU finding an alternative strategy in the long term and the RF having to sell to China at a 50% discount to market prices. Hardly a win.

However, the EU strategy will damage the RF ability to conduct business short and long term. Some forecasts speak of a 30% GDP drop for RF. Adolf Putin does not mind, he is not going to have trouble paying for the next bill and the food and there is nothing you can do to remove the guy from power. All the people running from the RF have already figured it out.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/14/russians-flee-putins-regime-after-ukraine-war-in-second-wave-of-migration.html)


This does not look like a country that is "winning" anything uh?

The effects in western Europe? Well, heating at 19 instead of at 23. Hardly something that is going to change the strategy.

What was expected has happened to Europe. Europeans were expecting this to happen because of the Russia and Ukraine war. But my fear is that as Europe is coming to buy gas in Nigeria the inflation will be very high.  But if the Europeans can make the gas price drastically come down then Nigerians will be very happy. Let us see the outcome of the whole treaty.

Since the Russian-Ukraine war has caused gas prices to rise at a new level, Nigeria is being considered as an alternative supplier of gas to the European Union. Whenever unwise leaders gather, sanctions boomerang, and a new world order is imminent. This high demand, constrained supply global scenario presents Nigeria with an opportunity to raise oil prices steeply. Currently, Nigerians cannot afford to buy their own gas because of rapid inflation. Winter is coming, so it is uncertain whether Nigeria will be a secure supplier.

Prices had risen long before the military operation in question. Spot gas trading is to blame.

According to Silverbird Television Station yesterday, 26 July, 2022. By 10 pm news. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of waging war with the supply gas cut. And today now I am hearing again that Europeans are discussing with Nigeria to supply them gas. Where were they when Nigeria was suffering? I believe, it was Europe that colonized Nigeria and they a abandoned the country to suffer and created partnership with already Developed country because of... Nigerian Government should wise up. Europeans knew that Nigeria has abundant of gas yet they prefer among themselves. As for me I put to Europe that, all the suffer Nigeria is suffering today are caused by them. Now they are coming back again.

As they are coming back let them use this time to develop the country. That is my last work.

You are right, but there is a nuance. I'll try to draw an analogy, imagine that Europe blocked Russia's water, and Russia, in response, blocked Europe's air. Man cannot live without air and man cannot live without water, but five minutes without water is easy to endure, and five minutes without air can be fatal. One minute has already passed.

The main problem is that the EU cannot accept the RF waging a war in Europe. To follow your metaphor, you can live a few weeks without food, a few days without water but only a few minutes without air.

In this case, air is the certainty that you countries will not get threatened and then invaded. Survival comes first, economy later. If the EU has to endure to exist, it will endure.

I appreciate your heroic pathos, but then why is NATO needed if it does not give Europe confidence in protecting itself from external threats and from invasion? And if the European Union is so worried about military actions near its borders, why does Europe supply weapons to Ukraine, thereby contributing to the prolongation of the conflict? I think you are being disingenuous.

Everytime I read the statement winter is coming it takes me to the Game of Throne. Cutting knots with Russia is the big mistake EU did. They are going to suffer the after effect for long. Biden rushed to the Saudi Arabia for the help. They miscalculated the power of Russia. Russia will survive and all the other countries which were in front row to boycott Russia are going to face the trouble for next couple of years. Let's see the next episode.

...I must admit - you are a master !!!! A master at writing fantasy-humorous stories for the "alternatively developed"! :)
I'm sure - you can still write a new fairy tale, about the Russian, but what's there to waste time on trifles, the first power of the army! And of course, a monumental fake story about Russian "unparalleled" devices from the end of the last century, which mostly work only in cartoons :)

AS a whole lot of you jokers suggest, Russia is, and has been for a long time, a nation of war. They are ready for war. Notice how they have metered their attacks in the Ukraine, to a level just below the maximum that the Ukrainian military can take. They recognize Ukraine as a sister nation, and would rather straighten their little sister out than destroy her.

When God used His people, Israel, 3,000+ years ago to attack the evil nations of Canaan, look what He did, Judges 3:
Russia is one of the most battle-experienced nations in the world. They might wind up being the only nation left after the rest of the nations have destroyed each other. And they are trying to save Ukraine along with themselves.

8)