Researcher Yasmin Mahsoun believes that the gas pipeline project between Nigeria and Morocco “actually holds great potential for realizing massive economic gains for both Morocco and Nigeria.” She further points out that this enormous project will assist in activating many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and boosting their progress, including those related to clean energy, economic growth, and continental and global infrastructure.
In terms of returns for Morocco, characterized by increasing energy demand and limited local fossil fuel resources, it is expected, according to the study conducted by the aforementioned Moroccan researcher titled “Unlocking West Africa’s Potential: The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project (NMGP),” that this project will stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and ensure reliable energy supplies. For Nigeria, as a prominent producer of oil and natural gas in Africa, it stands to increase its energy exports, invigorate its domestic natural gas market, and establish a significant position in the global energy industry through the project.
Hence, Mahsoun, in her paper received by Hespress newspaper, argues that Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017, after a pause of about 33 years, signifies a clear focus on establishing strong relations with West African countries. This commitment is notably embodied in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project.
The researcher said that this initiative, designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria to Morocco and eventually to Spain, constitutes a significant advancement in Africa’s energy sector infrastructure. She added, “The primary goal of this initiative is to exploit the untapped potentials of West Africa, a task that requires achievement that can only be realized through cooperation and enhancing energy security in the region, and subsequently driving the wheel of regional economic growth.”
