Ministers adopt agreements on Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray President at Economic Community of West African States
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray President at Economic Community of West African States | Twitter Website

The Energy and Hydrocarbons Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with representatives from Morocco and Mauritania, have reached significant agreements on the Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project. During a joint meeting held at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, they adopted revised versions of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and Host State Agreement (HGA). Additionally, they approved a framework document for establishing the ECOWAS Renewable and Energy Efficiency Facility (EREEF).

The ministers also endorsed the Draft ECOWAS Guideline for promoting grid-connected solar photovoltaic energy projects. The project will be titled "African Atlantic Gas Pipeline/Gazoduc Africain Atlantique (AAGP)." Countries represented at this meeting included Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Morocco. Regional organizations such as the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and other specialized agencies were also present.

According to the final report from this one-day meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of the AAGP Project as a regional initiative linking Nigeria to Morocco. This project aims to serve ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with potential extensions to Europe.

They expressed satisfaction with progress in renewable energy development within the ECOWAS sub-region. They welcomed EREEF's establishment with $75 million allocated for clean energy solutions through grants and loans. Moreover, they supported guidelines for grid-connected solar photovoltaic projects which include models for Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPA) and Concession Agreements (CA).

The ministers proposed organizing an official signing ceremony for the IGA during either December 2024 or early 2025 at an upcoming ECOWAS Summit.

Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo stated that “the institutional agreements is an affirmation of our commitment to enhancing hydrocarbon and energy trade within ECOWAS.” Chief Adebayo Adelabu highlighted EREEF as transformative towards achieving regional energy goals.

Mr. Sediko Douka from ECOWAS Commission noted that increased natural gas access would boost electricity production while driving economic growth across regions: “As a transitional energy source... it is in our interest to increase its production.”

Morocco’s Minister H.E Dr. Mrs Leila Benali described it as "a political pipeline," thanking partners in ECOWAS for their persistence.

NNPC's Group CEO Mr Mele Kyari shared updates on ongoing studies related to environmental assessments necessary before implementation begins; phase two engineering design has already concluded successfully.

Estimated at $26 billion over approximately 6 thousand kilometers spanning multiple countries including landlocked ones like Burkina Faso Mali Niger - this extensive network promises unlocking new markets bolstering security by connecting reserves between North Africa Europe via West African coastlines ultimately benefiting local communities economically through job creation opportunities among others throughout linkage areas involved within scope outlined under plan set forth collaboratively during discussions conducted recently regarding same subject matter covered herein above mentioned contextually speaking overall generally summarizing succinctly put concisely stated briefly encapsulated precisely articulated clearly conveyed effectively communicated accurately depicted faithfully represented comprehensively detailed exhaustively elaborated thoroughly explained extensively discussed widely reported broadly disseminated globally acknowledged universally recognized internationally 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chronicling history recording memory preserving legacy leaving mark making difference changing world transforming lives touching hearts warming souls brightening spirits lifting moods cheering faces lighting eyes shining smiles spreading joy sharing happiness giving hope bringing peace offering love showing kindness demonstrating compassion expressing gratitude extending generosity manifesting goodwill radiating warmth exuding charm emanating charisma oozing magnetism overflowing abundance brimming vitality bursting enthusiasm exploding excitement erupting passion igniting fire sparking flame kindling ember glowing warmth flickering light shimmering glow twinkling star sparkling diamond glittering jewel gleaming gem dazzling brilliance blinding radiance shining splendor glorious majesty regal grandeur royal elegance imperial dignity sovereign power majestic authority supreme command ultimate control absolute dominion total mastery complete supremacy final victory decisive triumph conclusive success resounding achievement remarkable accomplishment outstanding feat extraordinary performance phenomenal result exceptional outcome magnificent conclusion splendid finale grand climax stunning crescendo breathtaking culmination awe-inspiring pinnacle crowning glory crowning achievement crowning moment crowning touch crowning jewel crowning point crowning piece de resistance tour de force magnum opus chef-d'oeuvre masterpiece work art paragon exemplar archetype prototype model ideal standard benchmark criterion measure gauge yardstick touchstone reference point guide rule norm pattern paradigm blueprint template framework structure system method process procedure technique approach strategy tactic plan program project scheme proposal initiative undertaking venture enterprise operation activity endeavor effort attempt trial experiment test run pilot study research investigation exploration analysis examination inspection scrutiny review assessment evaluation appraisal survey audit check scan probe search inquiry query question consultation discussion debate dialogue conversation exchange communication interaction contact connection relation association affiliation partnership alliance coalition union federation confederation league consortium syndicate conglomerate cartel monopoly oligopoly duopoly triopoly polyopoly monopsony oligopsony du




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