Manny Ita –
Nigeria is expected to sign a $25 billion intergovernmental agreement with Morocco before the end of the year for the development of a major trans-African gas pipeline project.
The disclosure was made by Amina Benkhadra, head of Morocco’s hydrocarbons and mining agency, who confirmed that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline will span approximately 6,900 kilometres across both offshore and onshore routes.
The pipeline is projected to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, with about 15 billion cubic metres allocated to Morocco and exports to Europe.
The project is expected to enhance economic integration across West Africa by boosting electricity generation and supporting industrial and mining activities. It is also seen as positioning Morocco as a strategic energy hub linking Africa to Europe.
Following the signing of the agreement, a high-level authority comprising ministers from the 13 participating countries will be established in Nigeria to coordinate political and regulatory aspects of the project.
A joint venture company is also expected to be created in Morocco between the national hydrocarbons agency and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to oversee execution, financing, and construction.
The pipeline will be developed in phases, with the first phase expected to connect Morocco to gas fields in Mauritania and Senegal, and link Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire. A final segment will connect Ghana to Nigeria’s gas reserves. The initial phase is projected for completion by 2031.
Officials noted that the project is structured to allow each segment to function independently, enabling early value generation without waiting for a single final investment decision.
The initiative has received backing from the Economic Community of West African States and is part of broader efforts to strengthen energy cooperation and regional development.
The Nigerian government has yet to announce an official timeline for signing the agreement.
