$25-Billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Agreement Expected in 2026, Official Says
A $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is nearing a key milestone, with an intergovernmental agreement expected this year. The 6,900-km project could deliver up to 30 bcm and connect West African gas to Europe, with phased development targeting first gas in 2031.
(Reuters) — An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for the planned $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is expected to be signed this year, marking a key step forward for one of Africa’s largest cross-border gas infrastructure projects.
The pipeline, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, would span approximately 6,900 km along a hybrid offshore-onshore route and is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually. About half that volume would supply Morocco, with the remainder supporting exports to European markets.
According to Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), the project has completed feasibility and front-end engineering design (FEED) studies. Following the IGA, a governing authority is expected to be established in Nigeria, bringing together representatives from the 13 participating countries to coordinate regulatory and political oversight.
A separate project company will be formed in Morocco as a joint venture between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to oversee execution, financing and construction.
The pipeline is intended to strengthen regional energy integration by linking gas resources in Nigeria with demand centers across West Africa and North Africa. Early phases are expected to connect Morocco with offshore gas developments in Mauritania and Senegal, as well as link Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, before extending to Nigeria.
First gas from initial segments is targeted for 2031. Project developers plan to advance construction in phases, allowing individual sections to progress independently rather than relying on a single final investment decision.
No final funding commitments have been secured. Financing is expected to combine equity and debt, structured through the project company.