World’s longest offshore gas pipeline gains powerful new backer
The United Arab Emirates has officially agreed to contribute to the ambitious gas pipeline project connecting Nigeria to Morocco and eventually Europe, adding significant financial and diplomatic weight to the $25 billion initiative.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, informed lawmakers on Tuesday that “the project has won the support of IDB, OPEC Fund, EIB and the UAE,” while confirming that Morocco has completed all necessary feasibility and engineering studies.
The “African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline” will connect Nigeria’s gas network with Morocco’s southern city of Dakhla before extending northward toward European markets. The massive infrastructure project will traverse 15 African countries, potentially transforming regional trade, development, and electricity access for over 400 million people living along its route.
The project will be implemented in three phases: Phase One will link Morocco to gas fields near Senegal and Mauritania, and connect Ghana to the Ivory Coast; Phase Two will link Nigeria to Ghana; and Phase Three will connect the Ivory Coast to Senegal.
At 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, the pipeline will become the world’s longest offshore gas pipeline once completed. China’s Jingye Steel Group has been awarded the contract to supply pipes for construction.
Morocco and Nigeria have established a joint venture to manage this landmark project, which represents a cornerstone of regional integration and industrial development across West Africa.
Source: punchng.com
