ECOWAS Leaders Sign Agreement to Advance African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) has moved closer to implementation after Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the project during the ECOWAS Summit held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The agreement provides the sovereign backing required to advance the regional gas infrastructure project, which aims to connect Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves with markets across West Africa, the Sahel, Morocco and Europe.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Andy Odeh.

Pipeline to Span Nearly 6,900 Kilometres

Jointly promoted by NNPC Ltd. and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is expected to stretch nearly 6,900 kilometres along the West African Atlantic coastline.

The pipeline is designed to transport 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, linking gas-producing countries with major demand centres across West Africa while also supplying landlocked countries in the Sahel.

According to NNPC, up to 15 billion cubic metres of the pipeline’s annual capacity could be exported to Morocco and European markets through the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline.

The company said the project would strengthen electricity generation, improve energy access, support industrialisation and create new industrial value chains across the region.

Agreement Marks Major Milestone

NNPC said the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement by ECOWAS leaders marks a significant step towards the realisation of the project.

According to the statement, the agreement implements the approval granted during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja in December 2024.

It also concludes the institutional process coordinated by ECOWAS following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria and Morocco in 2022.

The company noted that the remaining step in completing the intergovernmental framework is the signing of the agreement by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Project Builds on Nigeria-Morocco Partnership

The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline was conceived under the shared vision of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and continues to enjoy the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NNPC disclosed that substantial preparatory work has already been completed, including Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies, route reconnaissance surveys, environmental and social impact assessments, as well as the development of legal, regulatory and commercial frameworks.

The project is expected to run from Nigeria through 13 Atlantic coastal countries, with interconnections extending to landlocked nations in the Sahel.

NNPC Says Project Will Unlock Nigerian Gas Resources

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the signing of the agreement as the sovereign foundation required to move the project from planning to implementation.

He said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and bringing approximately 3 billion cubic feet of gas per day to market.

“This milestone reflects the clear mandate of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The AAGP is central to delivering that mandate by providing the infrastructure required to bring about 3 bcf/d of Nigerian gas to market. NNPC Limited is proud to co-lead this endeavour with ONHYM,” Ojulari said.

He added that the project would help Nigeria better monetise its vast natural gas reserves while supporting domestic energy demand and expanding export opportunities.

Morocco Describes Pipeline as Strategic African Project

Director-General of ONHYM, Amina Benkhadra, also welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as another major milestone in the implementation of the pipeline project.

She said the initiative reflects the shared vision of the governments of Nigeria and Morocco for greater regional integration through energy infrastructure.

“This event represents another major milestone in the realisation of the AAGP, a strategic project jointly developed by ONHYM and NNPC Ltd. under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,” Benkhadra said.

She added that the project embodies King Mohammed VI’s vision of an integrated Atlantic Africa.

Next Steps Towards Final Investment Decision

Following the anticipated signatures by Morocco and Mauritania, the Pipeline Higher Authority will be established in Abuja, while the AAGP Project Company will be headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco.

The two institutions will oversee the implementation of the project and prepare it for the Final Investment Decision (FID).

Project promoters said they remain committed to delivering the pipeline in line with international standards of technical excellence, environmental sustainability and good governance.

Once completed, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is expected to become one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects, boosting regional energy security, expanding gas exports and supporting economic growth across West Africa, the Sahel and beyond.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.