Nigeria-Morocco $25bn Gas Pipeline Deal Set for Signing as Landmark Africa Energy Project Advances

Nigeria and Morocco are moving closer to sealing a major energy agreement as both countries prepare to sign a $25 billion intergovernmental deal for the long-anticipated Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project before the end of the year. The agreement marks a significant step forward for one of Africa’s most ambitious cross-border infrastructure plans, aimed at reshaping regional energy supply and trade.

The proposed pipeline—known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline—will stretch roughly 6,900 kilometres across offshore and onshore routes along the West African coastline. Designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, the project is expected to supply participating African nations while also creating an export route to Europe, strengthening long-term energy security across multiple regions.

According to officials, the project will be managed through a structured partnership involving a joint venture between Morocco’s hydrocarbons agency and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). Backed by ECOWAS, the pipeline will connect 13 countries, with a planned coordination body that will bring together representatives from each nation to oversee regulation, financing, and implementation in phases.

Beyond energy supply, the pipeline is expected to serve as a strategic economic bridge between Africa and Europe. Morocco, in particular, is positioned to emerge as a key transit hub, while West African countries along the route could benefit from improved electricity generation, industrial growth, and deeper regional integration. The phased development approach is also expected to allow early sections of the project to become operational before full completion.

The project has been in development for several years, with initial agreements dating back to 2016 and 2018, followed by expanded regional participation in 2022. Although progress has been slowed by financing and coordination challenges, renewed momentum signals a push toward execution. The deal also aligns with Nigeria’s broader gas infrastructure expansion efforts, including domestic pipeline projects aimed at improving local energy access.

source: nairametrics