Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline: A pivotal project for energy supply in Africa

Friday 23 May 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline: A pivotal project for energy supply in Africa

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has prioritized the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline as a cornerstone of his administration's initiatives. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim announced this commitment during an executive session of the African Parliament Union held in Casablanca.

The ambitious infrastructure project aims to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually across a distance of 5,660 kilometers, serving approximately 400 million people in 13 African nations, with Nigeria positioned as the primary gas supplier. Senator Ibrahim emphasized that President Tinubu is committed to revitalizing previously shelved projects to ensure their expedited completion.

“This project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, enhance industrial and digital development, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for the participating countries,” Ibrahim stated, highlighting the significant benefits for Morocco in supplying gas to European markets.

In mid-May, Morocco’s Energy Transition Minister, Leila Benali, confirmed that feasibility and preliminary engineering studies have been finalized, and the optimal route has been established. “A special-purpose company is currently being formed between Morocco and Nigeria to make the final investment decision by the end of this year,” Benali informed the Upper House, adding that the intergovernmental agreement among member states has been approved, along with the host country agreement.

In April, Morocco initiated a tender to develop its national natural gas infrastructure, which will extend from Nador port to Kenitra and Mohammedia, further connecting to Dakhla to link with the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline.

Major financial backers have rallied around the initiative, with the UAE pledging funding alongside the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund. Additionally, China’s Jingye Steel Group has secured a contract to supply pipes for the construction.

The United States has shown interest in investing in the project, as indicated by Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun during discussions at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group in Washington. The U.S. is particularly keen on Nigeria’s natural gas sector, given the country's extensive gas reserves.

The pipeline project traces its origins to King Mohammed VI’s state visit to Nigeria in December 2016. Initially, the Final Investment Decision was scheduled for 2023, but it has been postponed to 2025, reflecting the project's intricate nature and scale.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is actively working to provide legislative support for Tinubu’s vision, aiming to eliminate any obstacles that could hinder successful implementation.

The pipeline will traverse Morocco for 1,672 kilometers, passing through Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. Ibrahim has urged Morocco to reconsider its visa policy for Nigerian visitors, given the investment opportunities that both nations stand to gain.