King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Discuss Gas Pipeline Project, Strengthen Ties

The Rabat-Abuja axis is strengthening. On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI spoke by telephone with the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu. "This conversation focused on the positive dynamics of bilateral relations in recent years. The conversation also focused on the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project; a structuring project that will be a strategic lever for regional integration and economic and social development for all West African countries," the royal cabinet said in a statement.

To recall, King Mohammed VI and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the gas pipeline project in 2016. It aims to promote regional integration and strengthen Africa’s energy security. Morocco should host more than 1,600 kilometers of the project, out of a total length of 5,600 kilometers. This gas pipeline will extend the West African Gas Pipeline which, since 2010, has connected Nigeria to Ghana through Benin and Togo. It should eventually also reach Europe. The project is expected to provide 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, of which 18 billion are exportable to Europe.

The sovereign also addressed an invitation to the Nigerian president to make an official visit to Morocco, "the dates of which will be set through the diplomatic channel," the same source added.