A major step forward is underway for the long-anticipated Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, as fresh details point to tangible progress on the multibillion-dollar project.
Amina Benkhadra, who heads Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, revealed that an intergovernmental agreement for the $25 billion pipeline is expected to be signed before the end of 2026.
Her comments, reported by Reuters, signal renewed momentum for what is considered one of Africa’s most ambitious energy ventures.
According to Benkhadra, the agreement will pave the way for the creation of a dedicated pipeline authority in Nigeria.
This body will include ministerial representatives from the 13 countries involved, ensuring coordinated oversight, regulation, and political alignment across the project.
The Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline
The Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline—also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline—is planned as a vast 6,900-kilometre network combining offshore and onshore infrastructure.
Once operational, it is expected to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, with roughly half of that volume allocated to Morocco and onward export to Europe.
The project has already secured support from the Economic Community of West African States, and key preparatory milestones have been completed.
Both the feasibility study and the front-end engineering design are now finalised, clearing a major hurdle toward execution.
To drive implementation, Morocco’s ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company plan to establish a joint venture headquartered in Morocco.
This entity will take charge of financing, construction, and overall delivery of the pipeline.
Beyond its core function of gas transport, the pipeline is expected to have far-reaching economic benefits.
It is projected to enhance electricity generation, accelerate industrial growth, and stimulate mining activities across participating countries, while also strengthening regional integration in West Africa.
Energy Link
Benkhadra emphasised that the infrastructure will position Morocco as a critical energy link between Africa and Europe.
The phased rollout will initially connect Morocco to gas reserves in Mauritania and Senegal, while also linking Ghana with Côte d’Ivoire.
The final stretch will integrate Ghana with Nigeria’s extensive gas resources.
The first flow of gas from the initial segments is targeted for 2031.
Rather than waiting for a single, large-scale investment decision, the project will be executed in phases, with each segment developed independently to allow for earlier returns.
On funding, the project will rely on a mix of equity and debt financing, although no definitive commitments have been secured yet.
Still, Benkhadra noted that strong investor interest continues to build, driven by the project’s scale and strategic importance.
The pipeline builds on earlier cooperation, including a 2022 memorandum of understanding signed by Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania.
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At the same time, Nigeria is advancing discussions on another major export route—the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, a 4,128-kilometre designed to move gas through Niger and Algeria to Europe.
Together, both projects are expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s gas export capacity and deepen its energy partnerships with European markets.
