The head of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, has disclosed that an intergovernmental agreement on the proposed $25 Billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline will be signed before the end of 2026.
Benkhadra made this known in a report published by Reuters on Monday, signalling fresh progress on one of Africa’s most ambitious energy infrastructure projects.
She explained that following the signing of the intergovernmental agreement, a dedicated pipeline authority would be established in Nigeria to coordinate the project.
According to her, the authority will comprise ministerial representatives from the 13 participating countries, providing political oversight and regulatory coordination.
Naija News understands that the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, also known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, is designed as a 6,900-kilometre hybrid offshore and onshore infrastructure.
Benkhadra said the pipeline would have a maximum capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, with about 15 bcm earmarked to supply Morocco and support exports to Europe.
The project has received the backing of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with key preparatory stages already completed.
According to the report, both the feasibility study and the front-end engineering design have been concluded, paving the way for implementation.
Benkhadra revealed that Morocco’s ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company would establish a joint venture project company in Morocco.
The company, she said, would be responsible for executing the project, including financing and construction.
She noted that beyond energy supply, the pipeline is expected to deepen economic integration across West Africa.
According to her, it would support electricity generation, boost industrialisation, and drive mining sector development in participating countries.