ECOWAS Ministers Announce Key Progress in African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project
The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), an ambitious initiative to connect Nigeria’s extensive gas reserves with North Africa and Europe, has achieved a significant milestone, as announced by Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Chair of the ECOWAS Ministers in charge of Energy and Hydrocarbons. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja and shared via a statement on X.
The AAGP project will traverse several West African countries, linking Nigeria to Morocco through ECOWAS territories. Set to open new energy markets, drive regional economic growth, and generate employment opportunities, the pipeline promises broad benefits for communities along its path. Ekpo highlighted the project’s role in enhancing regional energy security and expanding Africa’s influence in global gas markets.
Addressing ECOWAS ministers and representatives from Morocco and Mauritania, Ekpo underscored the importance of strong intergovernmental partnerships, pointing to recent agreements that mark a major step forward. “Collaboration is crucial for the AAGP’s success,” he said, referencing both the Intergovernmental Agreement and the Host Government Agreement, which provide a framework for equitable and transparent cooperation across participating nations.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd will oversee the AAGP’s development and management, utilizing its expertise in gas production and infrastructure. Ekpo confirmed that the project has reached the second phase of the front-end engineering design study, a critical advancement. Further efforts, including environmental and social impact assessments and a resettlement policy framework, are also underway to ensure sustainable and community-friendly development.
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Ekpo described the progress as part of a broader vision for a unified African energy sector. “Achievements on the AAGP represent a milestone in the journey towards a unified African energy landscape and reinforce our collective commitment to regional and global energy security,” he stated.
With agreements and collaboration now established among partner nations, the AAGP is set to make African gas more accessible and to strengthen Africa’s standing in the global energy arena.
