- ECOWAS Ministers advance the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project to link Nigeria’s gas reserves with North Africa and Europe, boosting regional energy security and economic growth.
- The ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility aims to drive investments in renewable energy projects, promote industrial growth, and create jobs across West Africa.
- Collaborative efforts with Morocco and Mauritania focus on integrating energy infrastructure and ensuring long-term prosperity for ECOWAS and Sahel countries.
ECOWAS Ministers of Energy and Hydrocarbons met in Abuja to strengthen the region’s energy framework and advance key gas pipeline projects. The meeting, held alongside Morocco and Mauritania, focused on reviewing and adopting agreements related to the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, launched the discussions by highlighting the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline as a critical step toward integrated energy infrastructure across Africa. This project combines the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project (WAGPEP) with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), aligning with ECOWAS’ vision for a connected, vibrant energy network.
“The pipeline will link Nigeria’s natural gas reserves to North Africa and Europe,” Ekpo stated. He pointed out the pipeline’s ability to create new markets and jobs and boost energy security. The project will operate under two crucial agreements: the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the Host Government Agreement (HGA). The IGA will streamline collaboration between member states, while the HGA will establish a reliable investment climate.
Sediko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, underlined the urgency of advancing the project. “We need to work together to make this pipeline a reality,” Douka said. He explained that the pipeline will increase electricity generation and drive regional economic and industrial growth.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, through his representative, Permanent Secretary Mahmoud Mamman, emphasised the significance of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility. Adelabu stressed that the facility would stimulate investment in renewable energy projects across public and private sectors. “It will help break down barriers and unlock West Africa’s renewable energy potential,” he added.
After deliberations, the Ministers confirmed their plans to present the finalised agreements to ECOWAS Heads of Government at the upcoming summit in December 2024.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition, Mrs. Laila Bin Ali, underscored the importance of the 6,000-kilometer gas pipeline. “This project will enhance African resources and strengthen various sectors of our economies,” she said. Bin Ali also reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to the pipeline, providing Sahel countries access to the Atlantic and promoting economic prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Energy Ministers from Ghana, Cabo Verde, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo. CEOs of national oil companies also participated, reinforcing the region’s collective commitment to advancing energy infrastructure.
The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline will drive industrialisation and economic growth in ECOWAS countries, boosting energy security and benefiting communities across West Africa.
The ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility will be critical in supporting renewable energy projects. The collaboration between West African nations, Morocco, and Mauritania marks a new chapter in regional energy development.