“Russia–China Gas Alliance Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Energy Aspirations”
Story written by springnewsng September 8,2025
Russia’s decision to deepen its energy partnership with China is reshaping the global gas market in ways that could complicate Nigeria’s long-term ambitions in the sector.
Earlier this month, Moscow and Beijing formalized a major agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a project expected to begin operations before the end of this decade. When completed, the pipeline will channel up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Russian fields through Mongolia directly into China. Russia has also announced plans to expand supply through the existing Power of Siberia 1 line, raising its capacity from 38 to 44 billion cubic meters per year.
A key feature of the deal is that China will secure gas at market-driven prices, which are widely expected to remain below the levels previously charged to European buyers. This arrangement significantly strengthens Beijing’s bargaining position, while tying Russia more closely to China as its dominant energy partner.
For Nigeria, these shifts in global energy trade come at a delicate moment. The country has been pushing to position itself as a central player in the international gas market by deregulating gas pricing, accelerating key infrastructure such as the AKK pipeline, and attracting more than $5 billion in new investments. Abuja’s broader goal is to transform gas into a cornerstone of economic growth and a tool for expanding its influence in the global energy landscape.
However, Russia’s pivot toward Beijing could complicate Nigeria’s plans by reducing the pool of potential investment partners and heightening competition for Asian markets. With one of the world’s largest producers committing a major portion of its resources to China, Nigeria will need to strategically balance its reforms, partnerships, and export destinations to protect its aspirations in the gas sector.
