West African leaders have approved a key agreement governing the development of the Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, marking a major step forward for one of Africa’s largest planned energy infrastructure projects. The agreement was signed during the ECOWAS summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, by regional heads of state and project partners.
The proposed pipeline will connect Nigeria with Morocco through approximately 6,900 kilometres of infrastructure, crossing 13 coastal West African countries. The project is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, with a significant portion expected to supply regional markets while also linking West Africa’s gas network to the existing Maghreb-Europe pipeline.
Following the agreement, project partners plan to establish a project company in Casablanca and create a high-level pipeline authority in Abuja. These institutions will oversee coordination, attract investors, and support preparations for the final investment decision.
Despite the political progress, the estimated $25 billion project continues to face major financing challenges. No financial institution has yet committed funding for construction, leaving project developers focused on securing international investment and lender support.
The pipeline also faces additional challenges, including security concerns along parts of the planned route and regulatory issues linked to international climate policies. Sections of the route pass through areas affected by instability, while upcoming European Union methane regulations could influence future gas exports to European markets.
If completed, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline could transform regional energy connectivity, improve access to natural gas across West Africa, and strengthen links between African gas producers and international markets.
