Fresh momentum is building around the $25 billion Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline project, with an intergovernmental agreement expected to be finalised before the end of 2026.
Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), disclosed the development in a report published by Reuters on Monday, indicating steady progress on one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure initiatives.
She explained that once the agreement is signed, a dedicated pipeline authority will be created in Nigeria to oversee coordination. The body will include ministerial representatives from the 13 participating countries, ensuring political supervision and regulatory alignment across the project.
The pipeline, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is planned as a 6,900-kilometre network combining offshore and onshore segments. It is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas annually, with around half of that volume expected to supply Morocco and support exports to European markets.
The project has already secured backing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while key preparatory steps—including feasibility studies and front-end engineering design—have been completed.
Benkhadra revealed that ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) will establish a joint venture company based in Morocco to drive execution, including financing and construction activities.
Beyond its core objective of gas transportation, the pipeline is expected to stimulate broader economic growth across West Africa by enhancing electricity generation, accelerating industrialisation, and supporting mining development in participating countries.
She added that the project would strengthen Morocco’s role as a strategic energy link between Africa and Europe.
According to the plan, initial phases will connect Morocco to gas reserves in Mauritania and Senegal, as well as link Ghana with Côte d’Ivoire. The final stretch will extend from Ghana to Nigeria, tapping into the country’s extensive gas reserves.
First Gas Timeline
Benkhadra stated that gas delivery from the early phases of the project is projected to begin by 2031. She noted that the pipeline will not depend on a single, overarching final investment decision. Instead, each segment will be developed independently to allow for quicker returns and phased progress.
Funding for the project is expected to come from a mix of equity and debt, although final financial commitments are yet to be secured. Despite this, she said investor interest remains strong due to the project’s scale, phased execution model, and strategic importance.
The initiative builds on earlier cooperation, including a 2022 memorandum of understanding signed by Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is also advancing talks on the $20 billion Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, a separate 4,128-kilometre նախագ aimed at transporting up to 30 bcm of gas annually from Nigeria through Niger and Algeria to Europe.
Both pipeline projects are considered key to expanding Nigeria’s gas export capacity and strengthening its energy partnerships with European markets.
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