The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, four significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed today at the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja. The signing ceremony marked an important milestone for the project, demonstrating the commitment of participating countries to the strategic initiative.
The tripartite MOUs were signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) of Morocco on one side, and the Société Nationale des Opérations Pétrolières of Cote d’Ivoire (PETROCI), the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures of Benin (SNH-Benin), and the Société Nationale des Pétroles of the Republic of Guinea (SONAP) on the other side.
These MOUs, similar to previous agreements signed with ECOWAS, Mauritania, Senegal, and several other African countries, reinforced the dedication of the participating parties to the transformative project. Once completed, the pipeline will facilitate the effective monetization of natural gas resources across the region and provide an alternative export route to Europe.
The signing ceremony coincided with a Steering Committee meeting of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project. Representatives from ECOWAS and all participating countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, attended the meeting to discuss the project’s progress and strategic direction.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project is a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding energy access, improving living conditions, integrating economies, and combating desertification. By ensuring a sustainable and reliable gas supply, the project aligns with Africa’s environmental commitments while providing new economic, political, and strategic dimensions to the continent.
Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Government for entrusting NNPC Ltd. with this strategic project. He emphasized that the project presents an opportunity to leverage Nigeria’s abundant hydrocarbon resources for economic growth, industrialization, and job creation not only in Africa but also beyond.
Amina Benkhadra, the Director General of ONHYM, highlighted the gathering as a progressive step towards social and economic development, ensuring energy security and accessibility for Africa’s overall growth and development.
Mr. Sédiko Douka, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitization, stressed the significance of the gas pipeline project. He emphasized that it would enhance the region’s electricity production capacity, stimulate industrial and agricultural development, and contribute to the energy transition by utilizing a cleaner source of energy compared to other fossil fuels.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project continues to forge ahead, garnering support and partnerships to bring about positive transformations in energy infrastructure, economic growth, and sustainable development across the African continent.
