Nigeria and Morocco to Start Construction of Gas Pipeline in 2024

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo has announced that the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project is expected to begin construction in 2024. The ambitious project, which aims to connect Nigeria’s vast gas reserves to the European market, is a significant step towards boosting Africa’s energy security and economic development.

Ekpo made the announcement during a meeting with a delegation of Moroccan envoys led by Ambassador Moha Ou Ali Tagma. The Minister expressed his optimism about the project’s progress and highlighted the potential benefits it holds for both Nigeria and Morocco.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has been in the works for several years. In June, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four national oil companies to advance the project’s implementation.

The pipeline is expected to cover a distance of approximately 6,000 kilometers, passing through 15 West African countries before reaching Morocco. Once completed, it will be the longest gas pipeline in Africa, capable of transporting up to 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year.

In addition to its role in energy transportation, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project is also expected to boost fertilizer production in Nigeria. Ekpo emphasized the importance of utilizing natural gas to revitalize the fertilizer industry, which would ultimately enhance agricultural productivity.

Moroccan Ambassador Moha Ou Ali Tagma expressed his confidence in the project’s success. He noted that the technical and economic studies for the pipeline are expected to be completed by early 2024, paving the way for construction to commence.

Tagma also highlighted OCP Group’s ongoing investments in Nigeria’s fertilizer sector. The company has already inaugurated fertilizer plants in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Ogun States, and it plans to commence construction of another plant in Akwa Ibom State in December.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project represents a significant milestone in the two countries’ bilateral relations. The project is expected to strengthen economic ties, promote regional cooperation, and contribute to Africa’s overall energy security and sustainable development.