Moroccan-Nigerian Gas Pipeline Project Enters Implementation Phase with Broad International Support
The Moroccan-Nigerian gas pipeline project is moving towards its decisive phase, having surpassed the technical and economic studies to officially enter the implementation stage. Spanning thousands of kilometers, the project reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to enhance its role as a strategic bridge between Africa and Europe in the field of energy.
The Spanish economic newspaper “Nueva Tribuna” highlighted that Morocco has allocated initial investments nearing $6 billion to connect the ports of Nador and Dakhla to the pipeline, which underscores Rabat’s seriousness in developing its energy infrastructure.
The National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Togo Gas Company, in addition to contracting with the Chinese group “Jingyi Steel” for pipe supply. The final framework agreement is expected to be signed in 2025 with the participation of transit countries.
The project enjoys financial and political backing from major international partners, including the UAE, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund, reflecting confidence in Morocco’s ability to execute this strategic project, which will bolster energy security and provide economic opportunities in the regions it traverses.
In contrast, the Algerian-Nigerian pipeline project announced in 2022 has faced setbacks due to security and political difficulties in the Sahel region, which have hindered its launch despite its lower cost (€12.7 billion) and the readiness of Algerian infrastructure.
While Morocco takes practical steps toward implementation, the Algerian project remains stalled amid regional obstacles, paving the way for the Moroccan-Nigerian pipeline to potentially become a major artery for transporting gas from Africa to Europe.
