Morocco-Nigeria: Gas Pipeline Project, Milestone for Regional Integration

The gas pipeline project to link Nigeria to Morocco is a strategic undertaking for regional integration in West Africa, said Mrs. Amina Benkhadra, Head of Morocco’s National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mining (ONHYM).

This ambitious project will also have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of all countries in the region, said Mrs. Benkhadra at the 2nd Nigeria-Morocco Business Forum held Thursday in Rabat.

The 5,700 km long pipeline, which reflects a very strong commitment to regional cooperation for the sake of the African continent, offers enormous opportunities to several countries and economic operators, explained Chief of the state-owned company ONHYM.

Morocco and Nigeria agreed to build the pipeline in late 2016 during a visit paid by King Mohammed VI to Abuja. Feasibility studies have shown the technical and economic viability of the project expected to attract world gas giants.

The Atlantic pipeline project, which will channel Nigerian gas up to Morocco via 16 African countries with a total GDP of $670 billion, was devised by King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to enhance African integration, regional trade and economic cooperation.

The construction of the onshore-offshore pipeline will be carried out progressively in phases spanning over 25 years. This landmark project is part of the South-South cooperation upheld by King Mohammed VI. It is expected to create a competitive regional power market and benefit all West African people, countries and their economies.