In a historic move that could fundamentally redraw the geopolitical and energy landscape of the continent, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially signed an intergovernmental agreement to approve the construction of the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline (NMGP). The milestone accord was finalized during the regional bloc’s ordinary summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, marking a major step forward for the ambitious €23 billion project.
Spanning approximately 6,000 kilometers along Africa’s Atlantic coast, the pipeline is designed to transport billions of cubic meters of Nigerian natural gas through 13 countries. Ultimately, the network will link up with the existing Maghreb–Europe gas pipeline in Morocco, offering a direct energy corridor to European markets.
A Strategic Corridor for African Integration
The mega-project, first proposed by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI in 2016, aims to bridge the gap between West Africa’s abundant natural resources and major domestic and international consumption hubs. By linking West Africa, the Sahel region, Morocco, and Europe, the pipeline is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialization, and regional cooperation.
According to a joint statement from Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (Onhym) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the project is set to yield significant regional benefits, including:
- Enhanced Energy Security: Providing a reliable source of power to millions of citizens across West Africa.
- Accelerated Industrialization: Fueling local manufacturing and heavy industries along the pipeline’s route.
- Economic Integration: Fostering stronger trade and political ties among the 13 participating nations.
Timeline and Next Steps
With the ECOWAS agreement secure, the next phase of the project involves establishing critical administrative and financial structures. This includes launching a dedicated project management company based in Casablanca, Morocco, alongside a Pipeline Higher Authority to be headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.
These entities will oversee investor recruitment and coordinate efforts leading up to a final investment decision (FID). According to sources close to Onhym, construction is slated to begin in 2028, with the first deliveries of natural gas projected for 2031.
Geopolitical Drivers and Global Demand
The push to materialize the NMGP comes at a critical geopolitical juncture. Europe has been actively seeking to diversify its energy imports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent global surge in hydrocarbon prices. Simultaneously, regional dynamics shifted in 2022 when Algeria, Africa’s largest gas exporter, terminated its contract for the Maghreb–Europe pipeline due to severed diplomatic relations with Rabat.
By positioning itself as a reliable alternative, the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline stands to not only secure Africa’s energy future but also establish the continent as a vital energy partner for a supply-starved Europe.