ECOWAS backs Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline project. Member states signed an intergovernmental agreement in Freetown on Sunday, signaling strong regional support for the ambitious energy infrastructure initiative.

The pipeline is designed to be a major conduit for natural gas, with a projected capacity of up to 30 billion cubic meters per year. It will originate in Nigeria and traverse 13 West African nations before reaching Morocco. From Morocco, a portion of the gas, estimated at 15 billion cubic meters annually, is intended for distribution to Moroccan and European markets via an existing pipeline connecting Morocco to Spain.

This project, initially conceived a decade ago between the Moroccan King and the Nigerian president, represents a significant investment of an estimated $25 billion. It involves a hybrid offshore-onshore route spanning approximately 6,900 kilometers. Crucially, the project has already advanced through its feasibility study and front-end engineering design (FEED) stages.

Morocco's hydrocarbons agency ONHYM highlighted in April that the pipeline's objectives extend beyond energy transport. It aims to foster economic integration across West Africa by boosting electricity generation, facilitating industrial development, and positioning Morocco as a vital energy bridge between Africa and Europe. The next phase involves signing a deal with Mauritania, with the presence of Nigeria's president.