ETAFAT has officially commenced topographic surveys for the northern section of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project. This part of the pipeline includes Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. After a meeting between Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, ETAFAT announced that the initial topographic studies for the northern portion are well underway and at an advanced stage.
Connecting Africa and Europe
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project aims to link Africa and Europe in terms of energy supply. It will provide gas to several countries in both continents, making it the largest project of its kind in Africa. The pipeline will run along the West African coast from Nigeria, passing through several countries before reaching Morocco. Once in Morocco, it will connect to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline and the European gas network.
Significance of the Project
Many believe that this project will be a major milestone in Africa’s development, bringing economic gains and promoting continental integration. King Mohammed VI of Morocco highlighted the importance of the project during the 47th anniversary of the Green March. The King emphasized that the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project is more than just a bilateral project. He sees it as a strategic initiative that will benefit all of West Africa, a region with over 440 million people.
Supporting Development
N-Sea, a subsea solutions provider based in the Netherlands, has begun seabed inspections to aid in the development of the gas pipeline project. Their operations extend to West Africa.
Construction Plans
Construction work on the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project is set to begin this year, according to Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperekpe Ekpo. To ensure the project’s success, four memoranda of understanding were signed in June 2023 for the $25 billion project.