Regional Collaboration Vital for African Atlantic Gas Pipeline
…ECOWAS Ministers meet to advance Nigeria-Europe gas project
ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Energy and Hydrocarbons convened today in Abuja to progress the landmark African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a transformative project linking Nigeria’s gas reserves to North Africa and Europe. The meeting, attended by Morocco and Mauritania alongside ECOWAS states, aimed to adopt key policies and foster regional collaboration.
Chairing the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasised the pipeline’s potential to reshape Africa’s energy future. “The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project is not just a pipeline; it is a significant step towards an integrated hydrocarbon and energy infrastructure within Africa,” he said.
Stretching from Nigeria through ECOWAS member countries to Morocco, the pipeline will open new markets, enhance energy security, and promote economic growth across the continent. “By linking Nigeria’s natural gas to North Africa and Europe, this project expands opportunities for economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation, benefiting communities across the linkage countries,” Ekpo added.
Ministers from countries including Togo, Liberia, Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire attended, showing unified support for the AAGP. The discussions culminated in approving the project’s official title and adopting draft texts for the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and Host State Agreements, foundational documents ensuring equitable partnerships among participating nations.
Ekpo explained, “The Intergovernmental Agreement will guide relations between involved states, ensuring cohesive collaboration and equitable terms, while the Host Government Agreement forms the foundation of a mutually beneficial partnership.”
The meeting also highlighted renewable energy progress within ECOWAS, such as the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Efficiency Facility, which provides $75 million in grants, loans, and guarantees for clean energy solutions.
The ECOWAS, Morocco, and Mauritania Ministers closed by reiterating their commitment to the AAGP, aligning for a shared vision of African energy security and global market integration. Polaris Bank Wins “Best Mobile App” Award for VULTe Platform
