The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has signed a landmark agreement backing the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, marking a significant step forward in the implementation of one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure initiatives.
The agreement was signed during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, according to official statements from project stakeholders and reports by international media.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through several West African countries to Morocco, where it will connect with existing gas infrastructure serving European markets.
President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, announced the development during the summit, describing the project as a major milestone for regional integration and economic cooperation.
“We have already signed the West Africa-Morocco gas pipeline. Don’t be surprised when the gas comes your way,” Bio said while addressing delegates at the summit.
The project, jointly promoted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), is expected to traverse more than a dozen West African countries, expanding access to energy, supporting industrial growth and strengthening regional energy security.
Reuters reported that the agreement provides the political and legal framework required to advance the project, which has been under development since it was first proposed by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016.
Officials say the pipeline will create a new energy corridor linking West Africa to North Africa and Europe, while also supplying gas to participating countries along the route.
TheCable had earlier reported that Nigeria and Morocco were working towards the signing of the intergovernmental agreement and the establishment of governance structures to coordinate implementation of the multi-billion-dollar project.
Energy experts say the pipeline could play a strategic role in unlocking Africa’s vast natural gas reserves, boosting electricity generation and supporting economic development across the region.
The latest agreement is expected to pave the way for further technical, regulatory and investment decisions required for the project’s execution.
Once completed, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is expected to rank among the longest gas pipeline networks in the world and serve as a key component of West Africa’s long-term energy and economic integration agenda.
