Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline enters new phase after ECOWAS approval

Monday 20 July 2026 - 10:20

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline enters new phase after ECOWAS approval

The Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline has reached a significant milestone after leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) formally endorsed the project during the bloc's summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The approval marks a new stage for one of Africa's most ambitious energy infrastructure initiatives.

The proposed pipeline is expected to stretch approximately 6,000 kilometers along the Atlantic coast, crossing 13 West African countries before reaching Morocco. Once completed, it will connect with the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, creating a route capable of supplying natural gas to both regional markets and Europe.

The project is designed to strengthen energy integration across West Africa while improving access to natural gas for participating countries. It also aims to support industrial development, improve energy security, and encourage economic cooperation throughout the region.

Officials involved in the initiative have confirmed that the next phase includes establishing a dedicated project company headquartered in Casablanca, while a supervisory authority is expected to be based in Abuja, Nigeria. These institutions will oversee project coordination, governance, and future investment activities as preparations move toward the final investment decision.

According to previous project estimates, construction is expected to begin in 2028, with the first natural gas deliveries targeted around 2031, subject to financing, regulatory approvals, and technical progress.

The estimated investment for the pipeline stands at approximately $27 billion, reflecting the scale of the cross-border infrastructure required. First proposed in 2016, the project has gained strategic importance in recent years as Europe seeks to diversify its energy supplies and African countries pursue stronger regional energy connectivity.

Energy analysts view the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline as a transformative project that could reshape the continent's gas industry by connecting major Nigerian reserves with emerging markets across West Africa while providing an additional export corridor to Europe.

If completed as planned, the pipeline is expected to stimulate economic growth, attract international investment, expand access to cleaner energy, and reinforce Morocco's position as a strategic energy gateway between Africa and Europe.