NNPC and ONHYM advance Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline project through regional cooperation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its counterpart in Morocco, the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) on Friday took a major step forward in their quest to ensure the launch of the Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP). ), is valued at approximately $26 billion.

Speaking at the joint ministerial meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), NNPC Group Chief Executive, Mr. Mele Kyari, said the progress achieved so far highlights the impact of strong regional cooperation.

In addition to the ECOWAS hydrocarbons and energy ministers, the event was attended by officials from Mauritania and Morocco.

Represented by the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye Kyari described the project as strategic and commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government for entrusting him with its implementation.

He said the Phase 2 Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study has now been completed and work is ongoing on studies on environmental and social impact assessments and land acquisition and resettlement policy concepts.

“These achievements underscore our shared capabilities and determination to see this pipeline project through to completion, demonstrating both the viability of the project and our ability to deliver it effectively, supported by the strong regional cooperation that we continue to value.

“NNPC is well positioned to take this project forward by leveraging its expertise in gas production, processing, transportation and marketing, as well as experience in executing similar projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPG).

“It is therefore critical that we work together to achieve our shared vision, which goes far beyond supplying gas to power our countries,” he said.

Kyari added that the rapid completion of the project would depend on the continued commitment and cooperation of members to ensure the success of the AAGP.

The 6,800-kilometer AAGP pipeline project will connect Nigeria to Morocco and is expected to supply oil to all ECOWAS member states, Mauritania and possibly Europe. It is planned to cross 13 coastal countries.

The project currently combines two key pipeline projects: the $975 million West African Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion Project (WAGPEP) and the approximately $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the merger of the two projects reflects the region’s strategic vision to create a more connected and economically vibrant pipeline network.

He noted that the project is expected to open up new markets and strengthen energy security throughout the region, explaining that by linking Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to North Africa and Europe, the initiative enhances opportunities for economic growth, industrialization and job creation.

“We are at a critical juncture where these draft agreements being discussed today have the power to transform our energy landscape, strengthen our economy and uplift our people,” he said.

In his speech, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Sediko Duka, said the main purpose of the meeting was to present the latest version of the committee documents to the ministers in charge of hydrocarbons.

It will also provide an opportunity for members to provide updates on the overall progress of the project, which is a necessary step to consolidate the participation of all member countries in the project development process, he said.

“This project is vital to our region because increasing access to natural gas will not only increase our power generation capacity, but will also support economic, industrial and agricultural growth throughout the region.

“We have 6,800 kilometers of gas supply network, inside we have 5,100 kilometers of sea coast, which pass through all coastal countries, plus Mauritania, plus Morocco and in the future should supply gas to Europe,” he noted.

In her comments, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, called the event historic, stressing that it means that ECOWAS as a regional structure shows that multilateralism can work.

Energy Minister Adebayo Adelabu, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mahmouda Mamman, also pledged his support for the project, which was first initiated in 2016 by Nigeria and Morocco.

Emmanuel Adde and Michael Olugbode

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