Nigeria hails ECOWAS backing for African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project

Nigeria has enthusiastically welcomed the unanimous endorsement of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The signing of the intergovernmental agreement is viewed as a significant stride toward enhancing regional energy security, fostering economic integration, and driving industrialization across West Africa.

The agreement was formalized during the 69th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who was part of the delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, hailed the accord as a "defining milestone." He emphasized that the project, also known as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, has progressed from its conceptual stage to implementation, demonstrating West African leaders' dedication to a crucial energy infrastructure initiative.

"For Nigeria, this is particularly important because we hold approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa," Mr. Ekpo stated. "We see gas as a central pillar of our economic transformation, industrialization, and energy security strategy." He added that the agreement "gives further momentum to our ambition to move from being merely a gas-rich country to becoming a gas-powered economy and a dependable regional and global energy partner."

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For Nigeria, this is particularly important because we hold approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa. We see gas as a central pillar of our economic transformation, industrialisation, and energy security strategy.

The ambitious project, estimated at $25 billion (approximately ₦40 trillion), involves a 6,900-kilometer pipeline, both offshore and onshore. It is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The pipeline will traverse 13 West African nations before reaching Morocco, with potential onward connections to Europe. Officials anticipate that the project will unlock Nigeria's vast natural gas resources, bolster regional energy stability, broaden export avenues, and accelerate industrial development throughout the sub-region.

Furthermore, the initiative is expected to attract substantial investment, generate employment opportunities, and support vital sectors such as power generation, fertilizer production, and petrochemicals. Minister Ekpo reaffirmed the Tinubu administration's commitment to increasing gas production, developing essential infrastructure, and maximizing the value of Nigeria's resources through enhanced domestic consumption and strategic exports.

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This agreement gives further momentum to our ambition to move from being merely a gas-rich country to becoming a gas-powered economy and a dependable regional and global energy partner.