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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
Suspected gang member dies after arrest in Jos, investigation underway
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected member of a criminal gang popularly known as “Sara-Suka” has died after being arrested over an alleged stabbing incident in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Dahiru Ali, was initially apprehended by local vigilantes at about 11:00 a.m. on April 27 at Zololo Junction for allegedly stabbing one Yusuf Garba.
The sources disclosed that the suspect was subsequently handed over to troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), for further necessary action.
According to the sources, the suspect was observed to be in a state of suspected substance abuse and intoxication at the time of his arrest.
He was later released to his family, but was reported to have died shortly after arriving at his residence.
The sources added that the deceased was buried in accordance with Islamic rites at a cemetery in Jos.
They said investigation was ongoing to determine the exact cause of death.
Suspected gang member dies after arrest in Jos, investigation underway
Troops kill scores of terrorists, destroy enclaves in Borno operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in Borno State, neutralising several insurgents and destroying key enclaves in coordinated ground and air assaults.
Security sources said the operations, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, targeted terrorist hideouts across the Bulabulin Forest and Timbuktu axes, with strong support from the Air Component Command.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 2, in conjunction with a stabilisation force brigade and elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, cleared multiple enclaves in Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti and Yaro Shuwari areas, which are contiguous to the Bulabulin Forest and the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with terrorists around Malam Shiri Village, where they executed a coordinated flanking manoeuvre and engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle.
“A total of 11 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled with injuries. Troops destroyed life-support structures within the enclaves and recovered significant quantities of arms and logistics,” the sources said.
Recovered items include nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices.
In a related engagement along the Timbuktu axis on the Wajiroko–Sabon Gari corridor, troops, supported by air strikes, engaged another group of terrorists and maintained tactical superiority throughout the encounter.
Items recovered from the scene include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, bandoliers, communication equipment, and a large cache of ammunition.
Further operational reports indicated that troops advancing through the Bulabulin axis also engaged terrorists around Bultuwa in Yunusari Local Government Area, where six insurgents were killed and additional weapons, including AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, motorcycles, ammunition, and IED-making materials, were recovered. No casualties were recorded among troops, although some vehicles sustained tyre damage during the operation.
Meanwhile, troops deployed around the Azir Bridge area came under attack late at night by terrorists using armed drones. Reinforcements moving to the location encountered an improvised explosive device, which struck a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle without causing further losses.
Air assets were subsequently deployed, with multiple precision strikes conducted on terrorist positions, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The sources confirmed that two terrorist bodies and a rifle were recovered after the engagement, while one soldier was killed in action.They added that the Air Component Command played a decisive role in the operations by providing continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as precision strikes on identified targets, which significantly degraded the terrorists’ capabilities.
Troops are currently conducting follow-up exploitation operations along the Forfor, Multe and Wajiroko axes to track fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping.
The sources said the sustained operations demonstrate increasing operational effectiveness and continued dominance by security forces across the theatre.
Troops kill scores of terrorists, destroy enclaves in Borno operations
Troops intercept herder grazing in restricted area in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have intercepted a herder grazing cattle in a restricted area in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on April 27 when troops on patrol at Pushit intercepted the herder, identified as Ishiaka Shuaibu, at Lamor area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect was handed over to appropriate authorities in Pushit for further necessary action, while the cattle were moved to a secured military location.
According to the sources, a group of women later mobilised to the troops’ location and protested, demanding the release of the livestock.
The sources added that, following engagements with community stakeholders, the cattle were subsequently released to the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Pushit for proper identification and further action.
They said patrols have been intensified in the area to enforce compliance with grazing restrictions and prevent further breaches.
Troops intercept herder grazing in restricted area in Plateau
Suspected gang member dies after arrest in Jos, investigation underway
Troops kill scores of terrorists, destroy enclaves in Borno operations
Troops intercept herder grazing in restricted area in Plateau
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