ECOWAS leaders endorse $25bn Nigeria Morocco gas pipeline project to boost energy security

West African leaders have signed an agreement advancing the long planned Nigeria Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, a multibillion dollar energy initiative expected to transform gas distribution, improve energy access and promote industrial development across Africa.

The agreement was signed during the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where member states formally endorsed the development of the gas pipeline linking Nigeria’s gas resources to Morocco and eventually the European energy market.

The project, estimated to cost about $25 billion, is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through several West African countries along the Atlantic coast before reaching Morocco, where it will connect with existing infrastructure linking Europe.

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The pipeline, which spans nearly 6,000 to 6,800 kilometres, is expected to pass through 13 African countries, creating a major regional energy corridor connecting Nigeria with countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco.

Nigeria’s state owned energy company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) are jointly developing the project, which is expected to strengthen cooperation between African countries in the energy sector.

The initiative is aimed at improving access to natural gas across West Africa, supporting electricity generation, encouraging industrialisation and providing a new export route for Nigerian gas to international markets, particularly Europe.

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ECOWAS leaders described the project as a strategic infrastructure development that could contribute to economic integration by linking African economies through shared energy resources and creating opportunities for investment and job creation.

Following the signing of the agreement, the next phase will include the establishment of a project company in Casablanca, Morocco, and the creation of a higher authority for the pipeline, expected to be headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, before investors are mobilised for the final investment decision.

The Nigeria Morocco gas pipeline was first proposed in 2016 during Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s visit to Nigeria and has since received backing from successive Nigerian administrations and regional stakeholders.

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Energy experts believe the project could strengthen Africa’s position in the global energy market while helping countries along the route address power shortages and develop industries that rely on reliable gas supply.

The development comes as African countries continue efforts to maximise their natural resources, improve energy security and attract investment into critical infrastructure projects.

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