By Ayo Kehinde
Nigeria and Morocco are set to advance their long-anticipated transcontinental gas pipeline project, with both countries preparing to sign an intergovernmental agreement later this year, according to a Reuters report on Monday.
The agreement is expected to formalise political and regulatory commitments for the $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline a 6,900-kilometre network designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria across West Africa to Morocco and onward to Europe.
Speaking to Reuters, Director-General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, said the agreement would strengthen coordination among the 13 participating countries.
She noted that a governing authority would be established in Nigeria, bringing together ministerial representatives to oversee political and regulatory alignment.
The pipeline project, conceived about a decade ago, has progressed through feasibility and engineering design stages, reflecting renewed momentum despite global financing hurdles.
Benkhadra explained that development would be phased to enable early economic benefits rather than waiting for a single final investment decision.
At full capacity, the pipeline is expected to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, with around half allocated for Morocco’s domestic use and exports to Europe.
The hybrid offshore-onshore route is also expected to position Morocco as a strategic energy bridge between Africa and Europe.
A joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Morocco’s ONHYM will be established to drive implementation, handling financing, construction, and execution.
While investor interest remains strong, final funding commitments are yet to be secured.
The project is expected to boost electricity generation, industrial growth, and regional integration across West Africa, while enhancing Europe’s access to alternative energy supplies.
