The long-awaited Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline project is on the verge of becoming reality, as West African leaders gear up to give it the final nod. Once approved, the $25 billion project will move into its implementation phase—marking a historic moment in Africa’s energy and economic development.
One Last Step to Construction
After years of planning, the massive 6,900-kilometre pipeline has crossed most institutional hurdles. Regional energy ministers and ECOWAS have already approved the deal. Now, the only piece left is the formal signature by ECOWAS heads of state.
“The official signature by the heads of state will constitute the final institutional milestone before implementation begins,” said Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), speaking at the 17th US–Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.
A Game-Changer for West Africa
Jointly developed by ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the pipeline is one of the boldest energy undertakings on the continent. It will stretch across 13 coastal and 3 landlocked countries, delivering natural gas, supporting industrialisation, and fostering a more integrated electricity market in the region.
Often called the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, the project is tailored to meet West Africa’s growing energy needs while also boosting regional economic integration.
Nigeria and Morocco Lead the Way
For Nigeria, the pipeline represents more than just infrastructure—it’s a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for regional energy leadership. Just days ago, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent energy trader, to discuss how to finance the massive undertaking.
Morocco, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a continental energy hub and a global gateway. As Benkhadra noted, Morocco is the only African country with a free trade agreement with the United States—a strategic edge in attracting investment and connecting markets across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
“Access to natural gas, a clean and available resource, must be expanded across the continent to support its development,” she told a panel on Africa’s energy future.
Morocco’s Strong Showing at US–Africa Summit
Morocco came to Luanda with a heavyweight delegation led by Minister Delegate for Investment Karim Zidane. Officials from major agencies and banks—ONHYM, AMDIE, ONCF, CGEM, MARSA Maroc and others—held high-level talks with Angola, Egypt, and other partners, pushing for cooperation in energy, agriculture, trade, and public infrastructure.
Geopolitics at Play
In a diplomatic twist, both the United States and Angola barred representatives of the Polisario Front from the summit, in another blow to Algeria’s campaign on Western Sahara. Over 90% of African countries now support Morocco’s stance on the issue, giving Rabat added leverage on the continental stage.
The Road Ahead
With the pipeline nearing its official launch, ONHYM also began conversations with Angola’s sovereign wealth fund and other regional players to anchor the financial and strategic framework.
If completed, the Nigeria–Morocco pipeline will do more than transport gas—it will fuel regional growth, link three continents, and showcase what’s possible when Africa leads with ambition, unity, and vision.
