Member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have formally endorsed the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline project.
The intergovernmental agreement was reached on Sunday in Freetown, according to a joint announcement issued by Morocco and Nigeria.
The planned pipeline is intended to move as much as 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year from Nigeria across West Africa to Morocco. It would pass through 13 countries in the region before reaching its destination.
Of the total volume, roughly half — 15 billion cubic meters annually — is earmarked for delivery to Moroccan and European markets via the existing gas connection between Morocco and Spain.
First proposed about ten years ago in talks between Morocco’s King and Nigeria’s president, the project spans roughly 6,900 kilometers using a mix of offshore and onshore sections. It is estimated to cost around $25 billion.
The initiative has already completed its feasibility study and front-end engineering design (FEED) phases.Officials have described the pipeline as a catalyst for deeper regional integration. By increasing access to natural gas, it is expected to support expanded electricity production, industrial development, and mining activities across West Africa.
The project would also help position Morocco as a strategic energy link between Africa and Europe.The next major milestone will involve signing a bilateral agreement between Morocco and Mauritania. This step is expected to take place at a later date, with Nigeria’s president in attendance.