Significant Agreement for the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed the Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by signing an agreement on July 19, 2026, in Freetown. This ambitious initiative, which originated in 2016 from a collaborative vision between Morocco and Nigeria, aims to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. In an interview with Amina Benkhadra, the Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines in Morocco, we delve into the implications and significance of this agreement, especially from the Moroccan perspective.
As reported by rfi.fr.
Collaboration Across Nations for Sustainable Energy
Benhkhadra emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating it is a culmination of extensive consultations with all involved nations and ECOWAS. The legal framework established by this agreement not only reflects a shared political will but also ensures harmonization in governance, taxation, regulatory stability, investment security, and cross-border cooperation. The pipeline will traverse thirteen countries, stretching from Nigeria to Morocco, and will connect to Spain via the existing Maghreb-Europe pipeline, which is already operational.
As for the transit countries, they will indeed receive transit fees based on various scenarios. However, the primary focus lies in the provision of sustainable energy to nations that require it for accelerating their electrification and supporting industrial development, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as mining. The proposed structure plans for 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year, with approximately 15 billion allocated for Morocco and Europe, while the remainder will cater to the needs of the countries along the pipeline's route. Demand projections have been made until 2050 to ensure a connection between future production areas and consumption zones.
Moreover, the viability of the project hinges on Nigeria's capacity to supply adequate gas. Having substantial gas reserves and a comprehensive gas plan, Nigeria stands at the heart of this initiative. Ongoing discussions with operators aim to guarantee a gradual supply to the pipeline, reaching its full capacity over time. This region of Africa holds significant gas resources, not only in Nigeria but also in Mauritania and Senegal. Should Côte d'Ivoire develop sufficient resources for export in the future, it will also gain access to this transportation network. The growing gas demands across African nations necessitate a strategic alignment between supply and demand to foster market development in this part of the continent.
Regarding the timeline for the project, it is expected to be developed in phases, contingent upon gas availability and economic conditions. The first deliveries are anticipated around 2031. In the interim, the next step will be the establishment of a project company responsible for operational implementation, commercial agreements, and financial structuring, alongside the High Authority of the gas pipeline. These entities are expected to be operational by the end of this year or, at the latest, by early 2027.
