West African leaders have formalized an agreement to build a gas pipeline extending from Nigeria to Morocco, a move intended to enhance regional energy connectivity. The accord was signed during a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The planned Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) will span approximately 6,000 kilometers, traversing 13 countries along Africa’s Atlantic coastline. It is designed to transport Nigerian natural gas to Morocco, where it will connect to the existing Maghreb-Europe pipeline system, potentially facilitating further distribution into European markets.
Julius Maada Bio, chair of ECOWAS and president of Sierra Leone, highlighted the project's significance in boosting regional energy supply, noting, “We have already signed the West Africa-Morocco gas pipeline. Don’t be surprised when the gas comes your way.”
The initiative is being jointly advanced by Morocco’s state hydrocarbons agency, ONHYM, and Nigeria’s state oil company, NNPC. In a joint statement, both entities emphasized the project's goal to integrate West Africa’s substantial gas resources with major consumption markets across the region and beyond.
Next steps include the establishment of a project company headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco, alongside the creation of a governing authority to oversee operations, based in Abuja, Nigeria. These bodies will manage investor relations and oversee the pipeline's development until a final investment decision is reached.
Construction of the pipeline is expected to commence in 2027, with initial gas deliveries projected for 2031, according to sources within ONHYM. The pipeline is anticipated to play a critical role in diversifying energy sources and supporting economic growth across West Africa.
By linking multiple countries through a shared infrastructure project, the NMGP aims to enhance regional cooperation and energy security while opening pathways for increased trade between West Africa and Europe.