U.S. expresses interest in Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline investment

Monday 28 April 2025 - 15:15

By: Dakir Madiha

U.S. expresses interest in Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline investment

The United States has signaled its interest in investing in the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, as reported by Voice of Naija. This announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Edun revealed that he had discussions with Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Gardoso, and representatives from the U.S. State Department. He emphasized that key areas of interest include U.S. investments in Nigeria’s natural gas sector, particularly highlighting the potential of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline due to Nigeria's extensive gas reserves.

Initiated by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, this ambitious project aims to enhance regional integration and bolster energy security across West Africa.

Both Nigeria and Morocco are committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector. The gas pipeline is expected to traverse over 13 countries along the Atlantic coast, benefiting more than 34 million people.

Morocco will host 1,672 kilometers of the pipeline, facilitating the transport of Nigerian gas to Europe and other regions, including Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

King Mohammed VI has repeatedly stressed the project's significance, indicating that investors are looking to contribute approximately $25 billion. "This is a project for peace, for African economic integration, and for co-development: a project for the present and for future generations," the King stated, emphasizing its aim to accelerate socio-economic development across the continent.

The U.S. interest in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to enhancing cooperation with Morocco. This was reaffirmed during a visit by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, to Washington on April 8, where he met with senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Morocco stands out as the only African nation with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. Since the FTA took effect in 2006, trade between the two countries has experienced a fluctuating yet upward trajectory, increasing sixfold to reach $7.2 billion in 2023, up from $1.3 billion in 2006. U.S. exports to Morocco amounted to $5.3 billion in 2024, marking a 37.3% growth from the prior year, while imports from Morocco totaled $1.9 billion, reflecting a 12.3% increase from 2023.