- UAE joins the funding coalition for the $25 bn Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline alongside the IDB, OPEC Fund, and EIB.
- Pipeline to span 5,600 km, linking Nigeria’s gas to Morocco and Europe through up to 15 African countries.
- Morocco eyes green energy leadership, investing in hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia to power global shipping.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined international partners to co-fund the $25 billion Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, following earlier interest from the United States.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy, Leila Benali, confirmed the UAE’s involvement during a press briefing. She also listed key financiers, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the OPEC Fund, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
“The project has won the support of IDB, OPEC Fund, EIB, and the UAE,” Benali said. “It will pass through 15 African countries.”
The pipeline will cover over 5,600 kilometres. It will connect Nigeria’s gas supply to Morocco and extend to Europe. Morocco will host 1,672 kilometres of the pipeline.
The infrastructure will run through 13 to 15 West African nations. Nigeria and Morocco plan to use the project to improve regional energy access and integration.
The pipeline will deliver gas to countries along the route. It will also create new markets for Nigerian gas and stimulate regional trade.
Morocco continues to promote its strategy of diversifying energy sources. Authorities have worked for years to secure more stable gas supply options.
In April, the Moroccan government launched an action plan for natural gas development. The plan includes a tender to develop the first phase of a terminal in Nador.
Minister Benali linked the pipeline to Morocco’s broader energy transition goals. She said Morocco aims to lead as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
The country has invested heavily in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. Benali explained that Morocco wants to build local supply chains and increase job creation.
She said Morocco holds strong potential for producing green hydrogen and its derivatives. These include methanol and ammonia—fuels that can power international ships more cheaply than liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Benali added that these fuels can help decarbonise global shipping.
Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to court international investors for its gas sector. Finance Minister Wale Edun confirmed this during an April engagement with U.S. officials.
He held talks with representatives from the U.S. State Department, the Central Bank Governor, and key economic advisors. They discussed the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and U.S. interest in the project.
“Key areas of interest include U.S. investments in Nigeria’s natural gas sector, especially the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline,” Edun said. “Nigeria’s vast gas reserves make it attractive to investors.”
Nigeria and Morocco first announced the project in 2016. Since then, both countries have worked to secure technical and financial backing.
The pipeline supports Nigeria’s plan to export gas beyond West Africa and boosts Morocco’s role as a transit and processing hub.
When complete, the pipeline will rank among the world’s longest. It will also significantly link African energy producers and European consumers.
Strong support from the UAE, U.S., and key development banks reflects rising global confidence in the pipeline’s potential.