News
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline will boost West African growth, renewable energy expansion- Stakeholders
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline will boost West African growth, renewable energy expansion- Stakeholders
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, a 6,800-kilometer project linking Nigeria’s gas reserves to Morocco, is expected to boost energy security, regional economic growth, and support the shift towards renewable energy across West Africa.
During a meeting in Abuja on Friday, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers of Energy and Hydrocarbons convened to review key agreements on this initiative, named the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), and to establish the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility (EREEEF).
The pipeline project, developed in partnership with Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) is targeted not only to fuel industries and drive economic growth across the region but also to align with climate goals by providing a transitional, lower-pollution energy source.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Sédiko Douka, during the opening ceremony of the Abuja meeting highlighted the pivotal steps in ECOWAS’s energy ambitions.
Douka, who represented Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, noted that the ministerial meeting aimed to solidify key agreements on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the establishment of the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility (EREEEF).
Douka said the importance of the AAGP, a project that will link Nigeria to Morocco via a 6,800 km pipeline, passing through all ECOWAS coastal countries, Mauritania, and the landlocked nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Initially proposed during a 2016 meeting between Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Nigeria’s then-President, the pipeline is now a collaborative effort between Nigeria’s NNPC and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
According to him, ECOWAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NNPC and ONHYM in 2022, and the project gained further traction in July 2023, when ECOWAS leaders endorsed a decision to merge this pipeline with the West African Gas Pipeline Extension Project (WAGPEP).
“The AAGP will create access to natural gas across West Africa, fueling industries, agriculture, and power generation, and driving economic growth. This project is of vital importance for our region,” Douka said.
He emphasized that, although natural gas is a fossil fuel, it produces relatively low levels of pollutants and serves as an effective transitional energy source.
“The gas pipeline project supports both regional development and global climate goals by advancing clean energy initiatives, from mobility solutions to clean cooking options”, he stated.
The meeting also focused on enhancing renewable energy in West Africa, where Douka highlighted that only about 20% of the region’s hydroelectric potential is currently tapped.
“The ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility (EREEEF) will aim to increase renewable energy’s role in the region’s energy mix.
“Key policy documents under discussion include a directive for solar photovoltaic technologies and model agreements for public-private partnerships, power purchasing, and project implementation for solar projects”, he noted.
Douka underscored the need for collaboration among member states to overcome energy access barriers and to develop a reliable energy infrastructure that will support both the AAGP and renewable energy projects.
He also pointed to challenges within the ECOWAS energy framework, including WAPP’s debt recovery issues and ERERA’s need for support to fully operationalize the regional electricity market.
By mid-December, ECOWAS hopes to have these agreements approved by its statutory bodies, setting the stage for action on both the gas pipeline and renewable energy projects.
On his part, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic agreements to drive the region’s hydrocarbon and energy growth.
Ekpo noted that the AAGP is more than an infrastructure venture—it’s a step toward building a deeply interconnected energy network across Africa.
He explained that the Draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and Host Government Agreement (HGA) will be vital for setting the framework for this collaboration, fostering stability and equitable terms among participating nations.
“The AAGP is set to stretch from Nigeria to Morocco, passing through multiple ECOWAS countries.
“The pipeline promises to open new markets, bolster regional energy security, and spur economic growth by linking Nigeria’s vast gas reserves to North Africa and Europe”, Ekpo said.
Ekpo also highlighted that this could be transformative for economies across the region, bringing increased industrialization and job creation to communities along the pipeline route.
The Minister also took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the existing 678-kilometer West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which currently supplies gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
He praised WAGP’s achievements and resilience, noting its role in connecting Ghana’s domestic gas sources from its western to eastern coast.
Ekpo also pointed out that the success of the WAGP would not have been possible without the oversight of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), which has served as the regulator for WAGP countries for over two decades.
He stressed that WAGPA’s future role could be instrumental, given its extensive experience in regional gas regulation.
Ekpo described the initiative as a crucial opportunity to create a united vision for West Africa’s energy future.
“These agreements hold the power to reshape our energy landscape, strengthen our economies, and uplift our people,” he said,
He urged leaders to prioritize cooperation and resilience, while commending the commitment of energy experts who have worked tirelessly to develop the draft agreements, which are set to be presented to ECOWAS Heads of Government in December 2024 for final endorsement.
Ekpo also called on all ECOWAS members to support the region’s ambitions for energy security, sustainable infrastructure, and economic growth.
“Together, let us continue to advance the goals of energy security, sustainable infrastructure, and economic prosperity for all of Africa,” he stated.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, represented by Mahmuda Mamman, the Permanent Secretary noted that these would guide the region toward reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
“With more than 200 million people in West Africa lacking access to electricity, it is imperative that we take decisive actions,” he stated.
Mamman highlighted the vast potential of solar, wind, and hydro resources, noting that West Africa has the opportunity to not only address its own energy deficits but also to set an example for sustainable development.
“By harnessing these resources, we can drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens,” he added.
He stressed the importance of technologies and practices that reduce consumption while boosting productivity.
“This regulatory framework will ensure that we prioritize energy-efficient solutions that contribute to sustainable development and protect our environment for future generations,” he explained.
He also added that the ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility represents a transformative step for the region.
He called on private sector partners and civil society groups to unite behind this vision, leveraging collective resources to turn policy into action that will benefit local communities.
“Together, we will overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency across our region,” he said.
He further urged a renewed commitment to the region’s sustainable energy future, acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing confidence that a collective approach would bring success.
The Minister commended the ECOWAS and its international partners for their persistent efforts in shaping the regulatory frameworks under discussion.
Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline will boost West African growth, renewable energy expansion- Stakeholders
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.
He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.
Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.
He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been killed and a house razed following a late-night attack on Azoke village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 when suspected assailants from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi allegedly invaded the village.
The victims were identified as Nwefuru Elu, Nwefuru Agnes, Nwali Nworie Christianana, Obasi Nwode and Nwozo Nwode.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze a house belonging to one Elumu Nwokwo during the assault, heightening tension in the area.
Security personnel who responded to a distress alert visited the scene and documented evidence as part of preliminary investigation.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while further investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent escalation of violence in the area.
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
New Residential layouts will not distort master plan of greater Maiduguri…..Bababe
By:Bodunrin Kayode
The Executive Secretary (ES) Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) Eng Adam Bababe has said that the new residential layouts being created by his agency will not distort the foundations of the existing master plan of the city.
Bababe said that the phased layout which is being built along the new Maiduguri ring road would naturally fall in line with the letters and spirit of the master plan which he said is currently in the online market being purchased by interested residents of Borno.
The ES agreed that full update of the master plan is long overdue adding that a gradual process is however on the way to ensure that residents enjoy the fruit of the reviewed master plan that would satisfy every resident.
Eng Bababe said this during a recent news conference in which he unveiled a digitalized method for the application of land by residents of the state who desire to own their own land for the building of new homes to reduce the current deficit which came about by the lingering insurgency.
Bababe revealed that the Borno government has spent over 1.68 billion naira compensating 732 original farm owners along the newly computerized plots that are now being allocated on phase one of the new allocated plots.
The ES further hinted that about eleven families refused the cash compensation because they felt the money the government was offering them for the land taken for the layout purpose was inadequate compared to the real value of land they possessed from their ancestors.
They rather opted for alternative amount of land acres in another area to continue with their original type of farming pastime before the government decided to create the layouts to deal with accommodation deficits in greater Maiduguri.
Eng Bababe also hinted that 16.5km of phase one of the proposed layout plan was well planned with effective arterial road connections linked to the old designs thereby making the road networks to be very effective in tandem with the original master plan of Maiduguri.
He maintained that his engineers have prepared five phases of the layout which is meant to be sold to the public but for now they are dealing mostly with the phase one which will stretch from now till November 2026.
“When you consider the fact that the original master plan of Maiduguri was first proposed and presented in 1976 and the fact that it was supposed to be reviewed in 1981 but it did not get its first review so you can imagine the chaotic situation we met on ground which I have been trying to fix since I assumed duty here.
“As a result, you can see that it is going to be very difficult to enforce 100% the original letters of the plan on ground because it is quite a long time reviews have not taken place in the State capital. But I assure you that we will soon get a comprehensive and workable one ready that would take into cognizance most of our challenges as a developing capital.” Said Bababe.
The ES however regretted that if the government decides to stick to all the letters of the original master plan in the creation of a greater Maiduguri, there would be heavy collision with many interest secular and religious and that would not be very good for the government in power.
On their step by step treatment of past mistakes, the ES said that over 1000 homes were given notice to leave certain areas before the 2024 flood in the capital but only few of them responded to the notice.
A large chunk of them refused to leave until the flood actually covered and almost took some of them along before they realized that it was the reality and they had to move on their own.
On the mistake of approving petrol filling stations in residential areas
Bababe noted that it is on this same premise that his agency when it came on board refused to allocate new filling stations to petrol dealers who built stations any where they wish without the approval of town planning authorities.
In response to this reporters questions, he said he does not envisage any legal challenge in court by residents who may so despise filing stations in their vicinity because of the obvious hazards they pose to their right to life.
The BOGIS boss posited that the drafters of the new constitution have been very careful not to indulge in such flagrant approvals that would endanger residents in the entire phase one to five in the new master plan.
“. For clarity, i can assure you that we stopped the approvals of any new filling stations in the state since 2021 so there is nothing new now in this new allocations.
“Any filling station you see now that looks new were renovated out of older once sold out to the new buyers. New ones are yet to get any form of approvals from this office.
“And for the records out of 211 filling stations inside the books only 78 are completed and out of that only eleven of them are actually functional you can check them out” Said Bababe.
The ES went further to reiterate that the town planning authorities have equally been approving filling stations so any new one seen are actually being controlled by town planning authorities who decide where to fix them accordingly.
The ES maintained that there must be at least 200 metres from one filling station to another and they are doing their best to adhere to it.
Meanwhile the sales of the lands in the phase one to medium, low and high classification purchasers are still ongoing because all payments and collections of documents and deeds will be done online as expected.
A demonstration was made on the spot in the BOGIS compound where a prospective buyer got his approval immediately.
New Residential layouts will not distort master plan of greater Maiduguri…..Bababe
Police arrest officer previously at large over missing firearms in Riyom Division in Plateau
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
