Nigeria Celebrates ECOWAS Support for Gas Pipeline Project

Nigeria is happy about the full support for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project from ECOWAS member states. The signing of the intergovernmental agreement is seen as a big step for regional energy security, economic integration, and industrial growth.

The support came after ECOWAS Heads of State and Government signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) during the 69th Ordinary Session in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, joined the delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. He called the agreement a key milestone. Mr Ekpo said the project, also known as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, has moved from planning to action. This shows that West African leaders are serious about one of Africa’s most important energy projects.

“For Nigeria, this is particularly important because we hold approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa. We see gas as a central pillar of our economic transformation, industrialisation, and energy security strategy,” Mr Ekpo said.

“This agreement gives further momentum to our ambition to move from being merely a gas-rich country to becoming a gas-powered economy and a dependable regional and global energy partner.”

The project will cost about $25 billion, which is around ₦40 trillion. It will be a 6,900-kilometre pipeline, both offshore and onshore. The pipeline aims to carry up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas each year from Nigeria through 13 West African countries to Morocco, with a link to Europe.

The minister added that this project will help Nigeria use its natural gas resources better. It will boost regional energy security, create more export chances, and speed up industrial growth across the region. The project is expected to bring in investment, create jobs, and help important sectors like power generation, fertiliser production, and petrochemicals.

Mr Ekpo confirmed that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to increasing gas production, building essential infrastructure, and getting the most from Nigeria’s resources through more local use and smart exports.