UAE Joins $25 Billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project to Boost African Energy Security

Overview of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, valued at $25 billion, is designed to transport natural gas across a 5,600-kilometer route, linking Nigeria to Morocco through 13 West African countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. From Morocco, the pipeline will connect to Spain and Portugal, supplying gas to European markets amid rising demand for alternative energy sources following geopolitical shifts, such as the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The project, first proposed in 2016 during King Mohammed VI’s visit to Nigeria, gained momentum with feasibility studies completed in 2023 by the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) and Nigeria’s NNPC Limited. The pipeline’s capacity is projected at 30 billion cubic meters annually, with Morocco aiming to become a regional energy hub. The UAE’s financial backing, alongside the OPEC Fund, signals strong international confidence in the project’s potential to reshape Africa’s energy landscape.

Economic and Strategic Impacts

The pipeline is poised to drive economic integration across West and North Africa by linking 13 nations, many of which face energy deficits despite the region’s abundant resources. Nigeria, holding Africa’s largest gas reserves at 206 trillion cubic feet, will export gas to power-starved countries like Ghana and Senegal, where only 61% and 70% of the population, respectively, have electricity access, per 2024 World Bank data. The project will also create jobs, with estimates of 10,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs during construction, according to a 2024 ECOWAS report.

For Europe, the pipeline offers a diversification of gas supply, reducing reliance on Russian gas. Morocco’s strategic location enables gas exports via existing infrastructure like the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, which links to Spain. Social media discussions on X highlight optimism, with users noting the project’s potential to “redefine Africa’s role in global energy markets” while addressing local energy poverty.

Role of the UAE and OPEC Fund

The UAE’s involvement underscores its growing influence in African infrastructure development, following investments in renewable energy projects across the Sahel. While the exact funding amount from the UAE remains undisclosed, sources suggest a contribution of $5 billion, aligning with its $100 billion climate finance pledge at COP28 in 2023. The OPEC Fund, which committed $800 million in 2023, brings additional financial credibility, ensuring the project’s viability despite its high cost and complex logistics.

Challenges remain, including security risks in regions like northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram activity persists, and political instability in countries like Guinea. However, the UAE’s expertise in mega-projects, such as the $3 billion Barakah Nuclear Plant, positions it as a key partner in navigating these hurdles. Morocco’s ONHYM has also engaged TotalEnergies and Shell for technical support, enhancing project execution.

Significance for Africa and Beyond

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline is a cornerstone of Africa’s energy transition, supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063 for sustainable development. It will reduce gas flaring in Nigeria, where 7.5 billion cubic feet were flared in 2023 per World Bank data, and provide cleaner energy to replace coal and diesel in West Africa. For Morocco, the project aligns with its goal to export green hydrogen to Europe by 2030, leveraging gas as a transitional fuel.

Globally, the pipeline strengthens Africa’s energy diplomacy, with Morocco and Nigeria emerging as pivotal players. The project’s success could inspire similar cross-border initiatives, such as the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, further integrating African economies.

Key Details of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline?

It’s a $25 billion project to transport gas from Nigeria to Morocco across 13 African countries, aiming to enhance energy security and economic integration.

Which countries will the pipeline cross?

The pipeline will pass through Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.

How will the project benefit Africa?

It will boost energy access, create jobs, reduce gas flaring, and foster economic integration across West and North Africa, supporting sustainable development.

Why is the UAE involved in the project?

The UAE is funding the pipeline to strengthen its influence in African infrastructure, aligning with its global energy and climate finance commitments.

Conclusion

The UAE’s participation in the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, announced on May 8, 2025, marks a significant step toward enhancing Africa’s energy security and economic integration. Spanning 13 nations, this mega-project will connect Nigeria’s gas reserves to Morocco and Europe, addressing energy poverty and fostering sustainable growth. Supported by the OPEC Fund, the pipeline reflects a collaborative effort to position Africa as a global energy hub, despite logistical and security challenges. As construction progresses, the project promises to redefine regional dynamics and inspire future cross-border initiatives.