The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reached a pivotal stage in the development of the multibillion-dollar African Atlantic Gas Pipeline by signing an Intergovernmental Agreement. Finalized during the 69th Ordinary Summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, this pact establishes the legal foundation for a 6,900-kilometre infrastructure project.
This extensive pipeline aims to supply 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas each year. It will originate in Nigeria, traverse 13 coastal nations in West Africa, and extend to Morocco, with potential links to European energy markets. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM).
NNPC leadership noted that essential preliminary work, such as environmental assessments and engineering design studies, is already finished. Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, representing NNPC, emphasized that this move transitions the project from a conceptual phase to active execution, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s goals for regional energy expansion. Similarly, ONHYM Director-General Amina Benkhadra highlighted the deal as a testament to the partnership between Nigeria and Morocco.
Beyond immediate infrastructure, the pipeline is expected to boost industrial growth and energy security across the continent. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, underscored that the project leverages Nigeria’s massive gas reserves to drive economic development and job creation. Moving forward, authorities plan to finalize the remaining institutional frameworks in Abuja and Casablanca to prepare for a Final Investment Decision.
