Morocco and Nigeria to launch Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline

Morocco and Nigeria are expected to formally launch the long-delayed Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline project in late 2026, following the completion of preliminary technical studies, according to statements reported by government friendly Yabiladi on May 12, 2026.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expected to sign an agreement during the final quarter of 2026 to officially launch the strategic energy project.

The announcement followed a phone conversation between Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, during which both sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation and accelerating institutional coordination linked to the pipeline initiative.

The Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline is one of the continent’s largest proposed energy infrastructure projects. The pipeline is expected to connect Nigerian gas resources to Morocco through several West African countries along the Atlantic coast, with longer-term ambitions of linking supplies to European markets.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Morocco and Nigeria are also preparing to hold the second session of their bilateral Joint Commission in Abuja in the coming months. The meeting is intended to revive agreements signed in 2018 during the visit of former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari to Morocco.

The two countries have sought in recent years to deepen strategic cooperation across energy, trade and investment sectors, positioning the partnership as part of broader African economic integration efforts.

The discussions also focused on reactivating the Nigeria-Morocco Business Council, viewed by both governments as a mechanism for expanding bilateral commercial ties and strengthening continental economic cooperation. Officials highlighted opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area and a bilateral agreement designed to prevent double taxation.

The pipeline project has been repeatedly presented by Rabat and Abuja as a strategic initiative capable of reshaping regional energy connectivity and supporting industrial development across West Africa. Supporters argue the project could improve energy access, stimulate investment and reinforce economic integration between participating states.

However, the scale and cost of the infrastructure, combined with security and financing challenges across parts of West Africa, have raised questions about implementation timelines and long-term viability.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also confirmed she received an invitation from Bourita to conduct a working visit to Morocco, describing the planned engagement as part of efforts to consolidate bilateral relations and advance what she called a shared vision for African development and economic cooperation.

Yabiladi and agencies, Maghrebi.org