Nigerian Authorities: Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project Stalled Due to Inaction

• The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has advanced with the signing of a key Intergovernmental Agreement, moving beyond previous delays.
• ECOWAS endorsed the project and signed the Intergovernmental Agreement last month (July 2026), marking a significant step forward.
• Nigeria and Morocco should lead the project and seek support from other countries to overcome access to the right of way when laying pipes.
• The project's advancement may impact compliance with timelines and obligations, affecting stakeholders involved in the project.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) endorsed the AAGP last month, and the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on July 19, 2026, marked a significant step forward.

The $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has advanced with the signing of a key Intergovernmental Agreement, moving beyond previous delays. The project's name was changed from Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline to African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) before its commencement, with experts predicting bureaucratic roadblocks. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) endorsed the AAGP last month, and the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on July 19, 2026, marked a significant step forward. While the project still faces implementation challenges, it is no longer described as stalled due to recent progress. The project's advancement has significant implications for compliance with timelines and obligations.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project was initially endorsed by ECOWAS in 2016, but its implementation has been slow due to bureaucratic hurdles. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) signed during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on July 19, 2026, in Lungi, Sierra Leone, is a significant milestone for regional energy cooperation. However, the project's complexity and multiple interests involved may complicate its execution. Nigeria and Morocco should lead the project and seek support from other countries to overcome access to the right of way when laying pipes.

The recent advancement of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has far-reaching implications for regional energy cooperation and economic development. The project's progress, following the IGA signing, may impact compliance with timelines and obligations, affecting stakeholders involved in the project. Lawyers advising clients on the project should be aware of potential delays and complications arising from the complex implementation phase. The project's success depends on effective collaboration between Nigeria and Morocco, as well as support from other African countries.

Lawyers advising clients on the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project should be aware of potential delays and complications arising from Nigerian authorities' inaction, which may impact compliance with project timelines and obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust