Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the commencement of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project in 2024, following a bilateral meeting with a Moroccan delegation on Monday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The project, aiming to link the European market, involves transporting gas through Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.
The delegation from Morocco, led by Ambassador Moha Ou Ali Tagma, discussed cooperation and commitment towards finalizing the Trans-Atlantic pipeline project and developing a fertilizer plant in Nigeria, reported the NAN.
Ekpo expressed Nigeria’s readiness to begin operations, emphasizing the country’s vast gas reserves. The proposed increase in pipeline size from Togo to 46 inches aims to enhance gas flow and aligns with global efforts to address climate change through low carbon emissions practices.
The Moroccan Ambassador highlighted the project’s significance in exporting gas to Europe and in fostering development opportunities for the countries involved. Economic and technical studies are expected to conclude in early 2024, with the possibility of construction starting later that year.
“The objective of this project is not only to transport gas, but also to offer some opportunities for development of the countries between Nigeria and Morocco for supplying energy,” he said.
Tagma additionally stated that the OCP Group, a major fertilizer exporter globally, inaugurated plants in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Ogun states, with plans for a $1.5 billion fertilizer plant project in Akwa Ibom set to commence construction in December.
In June, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, worth $25 billion, has witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding aiming to ensure the project’s progress and strategic direction.