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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
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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