Nigeria, Morocco Push $25bn Gas Pipeline to Europe

It’s the kind of infrastructure project that sounds like science fiction until you see the maps. A $25 billion gas pipeline stretching nearly 7,000 kilometers across West Africa? Yes, it’s real. And right now, Nigeria and Morocco are finally pulling the trigger on what they call the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. This isn’t just about moving fuel; it’s about rewriting the energy map for half a continent.

The deal, which involves an intergovernmental agreement expected to be signed this year, marks a pivotal moment after years of talk and little action. The pipeline will transport natural gas from Nigeria’s rich reserves, up the coast through 13 nations, all the way to Tangiers in Morocco. From there, it heads north—potentially linking directly to European markets via Spain. It’s a massive logistical undertaking, but the geopolitical timing couldn’t be better.

A New Energy Route for Europe

Here’s the thing: Europe is desperate for reliable energy sources that don’t come from Russia. Since the geopolitical disruptions of recent years, Brussels has been scrambling to diversify its supply chain. This pipeline offers a direct, stable alternative. With a maximum annual capacity of 30 billion cubic meters, the project is designed to split its output evenly. Roughly 15 billion cubic meters will stay within Morocco for domestic use and export to Europe, while the other 15 billion cubic meters serves the participating West African nations along the route.

This setup positions Morocco not just as a consumer, but as a critical energy bridge between Africa and Europe. It’s a strategic pivot that could redefine North African geopolitics. Unlike the older Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline proposal—which would have cut through the Sahel region fraught with militant activity—this coastal route is safer, more politically stable, and connects more countries.

Who’s Behind the Project?

The original handshake happened back in December 2016 between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM). They’ve been kicking the tires ever since. In August 2017, they launched a feasibility study, and last year, they finalized the route. Now, the legal framework is falling into place.

Amina Benkhadra, Director General of ONHYM, hasn’t minored words in recent interviews with *Jeune Afrique* and Reuters. "We are confident," she said, acknowledging the repeated delays but emphasizing the momentum. To manage the chaos of coordinating 13 different governments, a high authority will be established in Nigeria. This body will bring together ministerial representatives from every participating country to handle the political and regulatory heavy lifting.

Building It in Phases

You can’t build 6,900 kilometers of pipe overnight. That’s why the project is broken into three main segments, each designed to function independently. This modular approach allows for early economic value rather than waiting decades for the whole system to go live.

• Southern Segment: Connects Nigeria to Côte d'Ivoire, extending the existing West African Gas Pipeline network.
• Central Segment: Links Ghana to Côte d'Ivoire, tapping into regional gas fields.
• Northern Segment: Connects Senegal and Mauritania to Morocco, utilizing known gas reserves in those nations.

Benkhadra explained that initial phases will connect Morocco to gas fields in Mauritania and Senegal, while further south, Ghana links to Côte d'Ivoire. The final piece connects Ghana to Nigeria’s vast reserves. First gas from these initial phases is expected by 2031. The complete project? That’s a 25-year marathon starting from the official launch date.

The Money Question

$25 billion is no small change. So, who’s paying? A joint venture project company will be established between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This entity will handle execution, financing, and construction. Morocco’s state-controlled gas-transport firm, OMCO, indicated that a final investment decision is expected before the end of the year.

However, funding remains the biggest hurdle. While the project company plans to raise a mix of equity and debt financing, no final capital has been secured yet. Morocco is preparing a major fundraising campaign, likely targeting international development banks, private investors, and potentially European entities eager to secure long-term gas contracts.

Why This Matters Beyond Energy

This isn’t just about gas. It’s about integration. Benkhadra called the pipeline a "vector of integration" for the 13 countries it crosses. For nations like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Gambia, access to affordable, reliable natural gas could accelerate industrial development and electrification. Currently, many of these nations rely on expensive diesel generators or unstable grid power. This pipeline could lower costs and boost manufacturing.

But there are risks. Cross-border coordination is notoriously difficult. Delays have plagued the project for years due to funding constraints and bureaucratic tangles. If the political will wavers, the project could stall again. Plus, the global push toward renewable energy raises questions about the long-term viability of new fossil fuel infrastructure. Yet, given Europe’s immediate need for non-Russian gas and Africa’s growing energy demand, the window for this project is open—and narrowing.