The signing of the agreements seeks to advance the progress of the pipeline project which aims to turn Africa into a self-reliant continent in terms of gas supply.



Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) signed two memoranda of understanding (MoU) related to the Morocco-Nigeria pipeline project in Nouakchott, Mauritania on Saturday.
The first MoU was with Nigeria’s Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Mauritanian Company of Hydrocarbons, while the second was signed with the Holding Societe des Petroles du Senegal (Petrosen Holding).

“These Memoranda of Understanding [agreements] confirm the commitment of the parties within the framework of this strategic project,” a joint communique from the signatories said, stressing that the pipeline will supply gas to all countries in West Africa, providing a new alternative export route to Europe.

The pipeline will run along the West African coast from Nigeria to Morocco passing through Senegal, and Mauritania. It will also be connected to the Maghreb Europe gas pipeline.
The Maghreb Europe gas pipeline provided gas to Europe from Algeria through Morocco. In 2021, a few months after Algeria cut ties with Morocco, its regime refused to renew the agreement with its neighbor.

According to a joint statement from the parties who signed Saturday’s agreements, the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline will contribute to improving living conditions in Africa, integrating economies of the sub-Saharan region, and mitigating desertification.

“The project will also give Africa a new economic, political, and strategic dimension,” the communique concluded.
The 5,600-kilometer-long offshore pipeline would travel across 11 African countries and ultimately reach Europe.

Recently, NNPC CEO Mele Kyari said that the gas pipeline is set to receive a total investment of $25 million next year.