By Ese Ufuoma
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is preparing to give the final approval to a project that could have a major impact: the $25 billion Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline. If approved, this plan could improve energy access, generate employment, and bring West African countries closer together than ever before.
Known officially as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), the project is a partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM). The pipeline will stretch over 6,000 kilometres, running through 13 coastal countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. It will also have connections to landlocked countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
According to ONHYM’s Director-General, Amina Benkhadra, the project has already cleared big technical and legal hurdles. Energy ministers from all participating countries have signed the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), and ECOWAS has even validated the Host Government Agreement (HGA), which lays out how the project will work on the ground. Now, the final step is approval from ECOWAS heads of state. So, why is this such a big deal for West Africa?
More Reliable and Cheaper Energy
Right now, millions of people in West Africa live with either unreliable power or none at all. Many rely on expensive diesel generators or firewood. The pipeline could change this by delivering between 15 and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas every year. That could mean more affordable electricity for homes, schools, and hospitals, lifting millions out of energy poverty.
Boosting Local Economies
A steady and cheaper gas supply could spark growth in local industries. Factories could stay open longer, businesses could expand, and entirely new ones could spring up, leading to new jobs and stronger economies in every country the pipeline touches.
Stronger Regional Unity
Beyond energy, the project is also about bringing West African countries together. Linking 16 countries with a shared energy network could encourage trade, investments, and closer political ties, helping ECOWAS achieve its long-term goals.
Big Opportunity for Nigeria
For Nigeria, the pipeline is a chance to make the most of its huge natural gas reserves. Beyond meeting local demand, the country could export gas to North Africa and even Europe. That would bring in valuable foreign income and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global energy market.
Step Towards Greener Energy
While natural gas isn’t a perfect solution, it’s cleaner than burning coal, diesel, or firewood. As West Africa looks to fight climate change, gas could help countries switch away from dirtier fuels without slowing economic growth.
Global Impact
With Europe trying to reduce its dependence on Russian gas, the pipeline could make West Africa a more important energy partner. This would boost the region’s influence in global discussions about energy and trade.
Fresh Momentum in 2025
The project has picked up real speed. ECOWAS heads of state are now just one step away from giving final approval after ministers signed both the IGA and the Host Government Agreement. Morocco plans to issue construction tenders starting in 2025, beginning with pipeline segments that pass through Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. Nigeria is actively seeking international investors, including global companies like Vitol, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and even partners from the UAE and China.
Morocco is also moving to build a new LNG terminal at Nador. This terminal would link to the pipeline and connect West African gas to Europe through the existing Morocco–Spain network.
These steps show that the dream is quickly moving from paper to reality. With feasibility studies and environmental checks already completed, the big final decision rests with ECOWAS heads of state. Once they sign off, a special company jointly owned by Nigeria and Morocco will take over, and actual construction could start soon after.