The titanic project of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline continues to make decisive progress. Before the House of Councillors on Tuesday, May 13, Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, unveiled the latest advancements of this future continental energy artery.
At the heart of the announcements: the approval of the intergovernmental agreement governing the project, as well as the host country agreement, recently validated during a ministerial meeting involving partner states. This legal framework marks a major step forward in the realization of the gas pipeline, the result of strategic cooperation between Morocco and Nigeria.
A step-by-step progression and colossal investment
The minister emphasized that the feasibility studies and initial engineering studies are now complete. The optimal route for the infrastructure has also been defined. A “special purpose vehicle” is being created between the two parties, Moroccan and Nigerian, to prepare for the final investment decision expected by the end of 2025.
Estimated at 25 billion dollars, this extraordinary project aims to profoundly transform the regional energy landscape. Ultimately, it is expected to transport between 15 and 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year over a distance of more than 6,000 kilometers, crossing 13 African countries and serving approximately 400 million people.
A catalyst for African integration and energy transition
Beyond its technical dimensions, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is part of an ambitious geostrategic vision. For Leila Benali, this megaproject embodies a new dynamic in economic, industrial, and digital development. It stands as a lever for inclusive growth while strengthening the continent’s energy sovereignty.
This gas pipeline also aligns with Morocco’s desire to position itself as a key energy hub between Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic. This ambition is supported by the recent launch of a call for expressions of interest for the establishment of a national natural gas infrastructure. This internal backbone will connect Nador to Dakhla via Kénitra and Mohammedia, with the goal of interconnecting it to the future continental network.
A long-term vision in line with global energy challenges
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project is much more than an infrastructure. It reflects a shared commitment to anticipate changes in the global energy market while strengthening South-South cooperation. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions and climate emergencies, this energy corridor represents a concrete response to the growing needs for clean and accessible energy for millions of Africans.
With this initiative, Morocco affirms its role as a catalyst for regional integration and energy transition on the continent.