From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the $25 billion Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline project, currently in its feasibility study and route planning phase.
Represented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim at the African Parliament’s executive session in Casablanca, Akpabio noted that discussions continue among stakeholders, with the final investment decision, initially set for 2023, now scheduled for 2025.
Additionally, Akpabio revealed that Tinubu plans to review all abandoned projects in Nigeria to ensure completion, with the gas pipeline topping the government’s priority list. The pipeline, spanning 5,660 kilometres, is designed to transport 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually through 13 African countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, with Nigeria as the primary gas supplier.
The project promises thousands of jobs, enhanced industrial and digital development, and a sustainable energy future for participating nations. Akpabio highlighted its potential to position Nigeria and Morocco as key energy suppliers to Europe, urging Morocco to ease visa restrictions for Nigerians to foster stronger bilateral ties.
Furthermore, he stated that legislative measures are underway to address complexities hindering the project’s implementation.