Morocco is advancing its plans for the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, with intentions to launch tenders for its construction phases in 2025, just weeks after affirming its commitment to the broader African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project. As reported by the local outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, this development is part of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines’ 2025 Action Plan. The initial stages of the pipeline will include sections running through Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, with plans for further agreements concerning gas transportation expected to be signed next year. The establishment of a private company tasked with overseeing the project’s construction, operation, and maintenance is also outlined, signaling Morocco’s organized approach to the initiative.
The ambitious gas pipeline project, spanning 5,600 kilometers, aims to traverse 16 countries, largely along the Atlantic coast. An integral aspect of the pipeline is its connection to both the Morocco-Europe gas pipeline and the wider European gas network, underscoring the project’s significance not just for African nations but also for European energy markets. Moroccan authorities view the pipeline as a transformative initiative, aimed at fostering economic integration and development throughout the African continent. King Mohammed VI has emphasized its importance, characterizing it as a “project for peace” that is designed to benefit future generations while enhancing connectivity across the region.
The initiative is poised to have a considerable social and economic impact, as it is expected to benefit over 340 million people, with Morocco hosting 1,672 kilometers of the pipeline’s route. Several nations have already entered into agreements with Morocco to support the realization of this project. Notably, in June of the previous year, Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) signed several Memoranda of Understanding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and other regional petroleum operators from countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting a shared commitment among these nations to advance the project.
This growing network of cooperation extends to numerous other countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, which all signed MoUs with Morocco and Nigeria. These agreements are crucial for solidifying partnerships and aligning interests in the successful development of the pipeline infrastructure. Furthermore, discussions among ECOWAS Ministers of Hydrocarbons and Energy have advanced significantly, focusing on key agreements such as the Intergovernmental Agreement and Host Government Agreement for the AAGP, enhancing shared governance of the project and resources.
The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is estimated to cost around $26 billion and merges the West African Gas Pipeline Extension Project with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, which alone is projected at $25 billion. This extensive pipeline network is intended to capitalize on Nigeria’s rich natural gas reserves, aiming to monetize these resources effectively. By broadening Nigeria’s gas export routes and addressing gas flaring issues, the project represents a crucial step forward for the country’s energy sector, while also facilitating gas supplies to Morocco, various ECOWAS countries, and ultimately Europe.
In summary, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline represents a vital component not only in regional development and energy integration but also in enhancing economic stability across Africa. Through fostering international cooperation, bolstering energy supplies, and improving infrastructure, the project is expected to transform the natural gas landscape, benefiting both Africa and Europe significantly. As Morocco embarks on the development of this promising initiative, the long-term vision for energy cooperation and partnership in the region appears to be growing stronger, paving the way for a more interconnected and resilient energy future.
