Nigeria and Morocco are set to sign an intergovernmental agreement this year for the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. This development marks a significant step for one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructure plans.

Amina Benkhadra, Director-General of Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), disclosed that the upcoming agreement will strengthen coordination among the 13 participating countries and ensure smoother project implementation.

The project, known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is designed to cover about 6,900 kilometres, utilizing a mix of offshore and onshore routes. It is projected to have the capacity to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually. This volume is earmarked for Morocco's domestic consumption and for exports to Europe.

Benkhadra stated that following the intergovernmental agreement, a high authority for the pipeline will be established in Nigeria. This authority will comprise ministerial representatives from each of the 13 participating countries to provide political and regulatory coordination.

The pipeline is envisioned to serve both regional and international markets, positioning Morocco as a crucial energy link between Africa and Europe. Benkhadra also noted that the project will be executed in phases, allowing different segments to be developed independently to achieve early economic returns.

The Nigeria-Morocco pipeline is expected to boost electricity generation, support industrialisation, and deepen economic integration across West Africa. It also aims to position the region as a strategic gas supplier to global markets.

The project is backed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and will connect 13 countries along the West African coast, making it one of the largest cross-border energy projects on the continent.

To drive execution, a dedicated project company will be established as a joint venture between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). This company will be responsible for financing, construction, and overall delivery of the pipeline.