Morocco–Nigeria Mega Pipeline Launches: A Game-Changer for African Unity, Jobs, and Energy Access

Construction of the transcontinental pipeline marks a strategic leap in Morocco’s regional leadership and promises lasting economic, social, and diplomatic impact across West Africa.

NADOR, Morocco – July 16, 2025 — In a development that could reshape the energy and geopolitical landscape of Africa, Morocco has confirmed the imminent start of construction on the Morocco–Nigeria Gas Pipeline (MNGP), a monumental project set to physically and economically connect North and West Africa.

According to senior Moroccan officials, groundwork will begin between late July and early August in the northern city of Nador, with the pipeline extending over 5,600 kilometers through Dakhla in the Moroccan Sahara, eventually reaching Lagos, Nigeria, via 11 West African nations.

“This pipeline is more than a conduit for gas—it’s a lifeline for African integration and economic transformation,” said Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), in an official briefing. “It is a flagship of South–South cooperation, designed to meet our continent’s aspirations for energy security, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.”

A Vision Years in the Making

Originally conceptualized in 2016 through a strategic agreement between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, the MNGP project has since undergone multiple feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and regional consultations under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Now poised for execution, the first phase will focus on Moroccan territory—stretching from Nador on the Mediterranean coast to Dakhla, a key gateway to sub-Saharan Africa. Later phases will extend the pipeline through Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, before linking to Nigeria.

The pipeline is expected to deliver 3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with significant portions allocated to domestic consumption and export to Europe via the Maghreb–Europe Gas Pipeline network.

Regional Impact and Human Dimensions

For Moroccan communities in historically underserved southern regions like Dakhla, the pipeline represents not just infrastructure, but opportunity. “We hope this project will bring jobs, training, and long-term development to our youth,” said Fatima El Idrissi, a secondary school teacher in Dakhla. “It means fewer young people leaving for Casablanca or abroad.”

Construction will create tens of thousands of jobs across the project’s lifespan, and the completed infrastructure will enable cleaner energy access to millions of people in rural and urban centers alike. For many countries along its path, the MNGP offers a strategic alternative to diesel and biomass, with implications for both public health and the environment.

“Energy poverty remains one of the greatest barriers to development across West Africa,” noted Dr. Amadou Traoré, an energy policy analyst based in Dakar. “This pipeline, if managed properly, could lower energy costs, reduce emissions, and unlock industrial potential across a dozen nations.”

A Geopolitical Gamechanger

Beyond economics, the MNGP strengthens Morocco’s position as a diplomatic bridge between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. It also counters regional instability by promoting shared economic interests and infrastructure interdependence.

Analysts say the project enhances Morocco’s soft power, reinforcing its 2017 re-entry into the African Union and expanding influence across ECOWAS—a bloc Morocco has expressed interest in joining.

From Europe’s perspective, the pipeline is a welcome diversification of energy supply amid post-COVID demand and the geopolitical aftershocks of the Russia–Ukraine war. With rising energy costs and a growing appetite for green transitions, EU partners are likely to see the MNGP as a vital link in a future-proof energy strategy.

Environmental and Security Challenges

While the project boasts enormous potential, concerns remain over its environmental footprint, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. ONHYM has stated that environmental impact assessments were conducted in compliance with national and international standards, and that monitoring systems will be implemented throughout construction.

Security also looms as a critical factor, especially as the pipeline traverses volatile regions. Moroccan and Nigerian authorities have pledged to coordinate closely with regional governments to ensure the pipeline’s protection.

A Pan-African Milestone

For many observers, the Morocco–Nigeria Gas Pipeline is not just a megaproject—it’s a metaphor for Africa’s aspirations. As construction begins, the continent watches with anticipation, hope, and resolve.

“This is the Africa we want,” said ECOWAS Commissioner Suleiman Diabate. “Connected, confident, and building the future with our own hands.”