Africa (Commonwealth Union) _In a significant move towards expediting the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, the Federal Government has intensified discussions with the Kingdom of Morocco. The talks, held on January 24, 2024, were a crucial element of a broader meeting between Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and Ms. Leila Benali, the Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development.
Facilitated by Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice President of NNPC Ltd.’s Gas, Power & New Energy, and Mme Amina Benkhadra, the Director General of the Morocco National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), the discussions centered on propelling the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project forward. This aligns with the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) inked between the two nations in Abuja in 2022.
The strategic importance of the project to both countries and the broader African continent took center stage during the talks. The urgency to complete the project expeditiously was emphasized, echoing the commitment to combat energy poverty across Africa.
The Cooperation Agreement for the 48” x 5,300Km pipeline, signed in 2017, outlines a route from Nigeria to Dhakia (Morocco) with a 1,700km extension from Dhakia to Northern Morocco. With a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year, the pipeline aims to traverse several West African nations, terminating in Morocco with a spur to Spain.
Given the international nature of the project, the ECOWAS Commission plays a pivotal role, facilitating inter-governmental treaties, hosting government agreements, establishing the Pipeline Higher Authority, and ensuring alignment with AU, UN, and other relevant international bodies.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is anticipated not only to monetize Nigeria’s gas resources but also to sustain NNPC Ltd.’s energy leadership in Africa. Additionally, it aims to foster economic and regional cooperation among African nations. The ongoing discussions signify a critical step towards transforming this vision into a tangible reality.
