Analysts scrutinize Russia’s possible pivot to new gas routes as Europe seeks to diversify supply
Columnist Abdel Hakim al-Ruweida, writing for NoonPost, suggests that if Russia curtails its gas deliveries to European markets, Moscow may aggressively pursue control over alternative sources of energy for the European Union.
The argument rests on Russia’s apparent interest in backing the world’s longest underwater gas line, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, as a strategic channel to keep influence over European energy security.
Al-Ruweida notes that this project fits into broader plans to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian gas by expanding imports from North Africa and West Africa, including Egypt, Israel, Senegal, Angola, and Nigeria. The aim is to diversify routes and suppliers, thereby limiting any single point of vulnerability in the European energy mix.
According to the analysis, Russia may aim to preserve its status as a dominant energy player while offsetting the impact of sanctions by leveraging new pipelines and partnerships. The argument posits that Moscow could either remain Europe’s principal energy supplier or maneuver to seize or influence any project that could serve as an alternative to Russian gas.
In statements attributed to former Moroccan government spokesperson Mustafa Baitas, the Nigeria-Morocco submarine gas pipeline is described as being in the engineering development phase. The commentary underscores ongoing conversations about how such infrastructure could reshape regional energy flows and geopolitical dynamics.
Reports indicate that Russia has expressed interest in financing a natural gas link from Nigeria to Morocco that would channel gas into European markets. Nigerian authorities have acknowledged this interest, noting Moscow’s willingness to participate in the construction of a transcontinental pipeline that would connect Africa with Europe.
The proposed route would extend roughly 5,660 kilometers, a scale that would mark it as the longest subsea gas corridor in existence. The magnitude of the project has drew attention from policymakers, industry observers, and international analysts who are weighing the economic viability against political risk.
Nigerian officials have signaled that any multi-national investment would require rigorous feasibility studies, environmental safeguards, and robust regulatory oversight to ensure that the project benefits recipients across Europe and Africa alike. The discussions reflect a broader trend of energy collaboration across continents, as nations seek to secure steady supplies amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Experts caution that while such pipeline proposals can enhance energy security, they also raise questions about sovereignty, financing, and long-term market demand. Projections emphasize the importance of transparent governance, competitive pricing, and clear agreements on transit rights, revenue sharing, and dispute resolution to ensure lasting stability for all parties involved.
In the broader context, analysts highlight that diversification strategies are not solely about price considerations. They involve technological readiness, adherence to environmental standards, and the alignment of energy projects with sustainable development goals. The Nigeria-Morocco pipeline concept, if realized, could become a case study in regional cooperation and strategic resilience in European energy supply chains.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are paying close attention to how financing arrangements, international partnerships, and engineering milestones will unfold. The potential realization of such a pipeline would have lasting implications for energy markets, regional economics, and the balance of power among major energy players in the Atlantic basin.