Mrs. Benkhadra, who spoke on behalf of ONHYM, alongside her partner the Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), during this ministerial meeting praised the commitment of ECOWAS and member countries for the exemplary coordination of the process of examination of the texts of the IGA and the HGA as well as for all the meetings held in Marrakech, Rabat then in Abidjan and Lagos.
“We are meeting today to validate the IGA and the HGA at the level of ministers, which will mark a decisive step towards its official signature,” she welcomed, indicating that these agreements will create an environment conducive to the successful implementation of the project and would mark a significant step towards regional sovereignty.
These agreements, she continued, symbolize “our common ambition to strengthen regional integration and energy cooperation, while sharing the vision of a more united and prosperous Africa”.
On another note, Ms. Benkhadra recalled that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, born from a shared vision between HM King Mohamed VI and the Presidents of Nigeria and from a mutual commitment between Morocco and Nigeria, has the ambition to stimulate collective economic growth and development in the West African region.
“By accelerating electrification, promoting energy self-sufficiency, creating wealth and jobs, and developing industrial sectors, this project can profoundly improve living conditions and generate economic opportunities throughout the region,” she said.
Ms. Benkhadra did not fail to note that the construction and operation of this gas pipeline should attract significant foreign investments, a substantial part of which will be dedicated to local companies.
At the international level, the Gas Pipeline is of strategic importance in the sense that it offers Europe a viable alternative to diversify its sources of gas supply, and further secure its supply, she explained, noting that with a potential export of 15 billion m3 per year, the gas pipeline will contribute to strengthening Europe’s energy security.
Since its launch in 2017, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, emanating from the enlightened vision of HM King Mohammed VI and the Presidents of Nigeria, has made significant progress.
The detailed engineering studies carried out by world-renowned service providers were completed in March 2024, representing a significant step forward towards the realization of this project, recalled Ms. Benkhadra, noting that the concept is robust and the macroeconomic data demonstrate the profitability of the project and its competitiveness.
Currently, the survey studies of the northern segment are underway, while those of the southern segment will begin shortly, she added, noting that the contracts for the environmental and social impact studies (ESIA) have been awarded and the Field work has already started.
These studies, explains Ms. Benkhadra, will make it possible to refine the implementation plan, integrating all environmental and social aspects to ensure compliance with the highest standards.
The Abuja meeting, to which Mauritania was also invited, aims to adopt the intergovernmental agreement on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (Nigeria-Morocco) which will be submitted for signature by the Heads of State of member countries. of ECOWAS, Morocco and Mauritania.
Organized by the ECOWAS commission, this joint meeting of Ministers in charge of Energy and Hydrocarbons, extended to the Ministers in charge of Hydrocarbons of Morocco and Mauritania, was preceded by a meeting of sectoral experts. It is part of the statutory process of adoption of community texts at ECOWAS. These are the Draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) concerning the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the Draft Agreement with the Host Government (HGA) concerning the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) annexed to the IGA.
How will the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline impact Europe’s energy supply and security?
Interview: The Future of Energy Cooperation in Africa with Mrs. Benkhadra
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, Mrs. Benkhadra. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project. Your recent remarks about the crucial agreements and the wider implications for regional development are fascinating. Can you start by summarizing the importance of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) and the Host Government Agreement (HGA) for this project?
Mrs. Benkhadra: Thank you for having me. The IGA and HGA are fundamental to our advancement because they lay the legal and operational frameworks necessary for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. By validating these agreements at the ministerial level, we are taking decisive steps towards their official signature, which will create a conducive environment for project implementation. These documents signify our shared ambition to enhance regional integration and energy cooperation across West Africa.
Interviewer: You mentioned that these agreements can lead to improved living conditions and economic opportunities in the region. Can you elaborate on how you envision this impact?
Mrs. Benkhadra: Absolutely. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is not just about energy. It is about empowering the West African region through electrification, achieving energy self-sufficiency, and ultimately stimulating economic growth. As we develop industrial sectors and create job opportunities, we foresee a profound improvement in living conditions for many communities. This project aims to ensure that every stakeholder benefits, particularly through the substantial investment directed toward local companies.
Interviewer: The project’s potential seems vast. Could you discuss the anticipated foreign investments and how they will facilitate local business growth?
Mrs. Benkhadra: Yes, the pipeline project is expected to attract significant foreign investments, which are crucial for its success. A considerable portion of these investments will be funneled into local enterprises, ensuring that the economic benefits are felt right across the board. This not only helps in building local capacities but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable business environment that can thrive independently in the future.
Interviewer: You highlighted the strategic importance of this project for Europe in diversifying its gas supply. Could you explain how the pipeline will contribute to Europe’s energy security?
Mrs. Benkhadra: Certainly. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with its potential export capacity of 15 billion cubic meters per year, presents Europe with a viable alternative to diversify its energy sources. In a time when energy security is more crucial than ever, having a reliable supply from Africa is advantageous for Europe. This partnership is mutually beneficial, as it strengthens Europe’s energy security while also allowing Africa to play a significant role in the global energy market.
Interviewer: Reflecting on the progress made since the project’s launch in 2017, what are some key milestones that stand out to you?
Mrs. Benkhadra: Since its inception, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline has achieved remarkable milestones. Most notably, the completion of detailed engineering studies in March 2024 by renowned global service providers was a significant achievement. This represents not only our commitment to seeing this project through but also demonstrates the confidence placed in us by international stakeholders.
Interviewer: As we look to the future, what are your hopes for the pipeline project and its broader implications for African leadership in the energy sector?
Mrs. Benkhadra: My hope is that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline becomes a beacon of cooperation and progress for Africa. It is an opportunity to showcase the continent’s capacity for innovation, collaboration, and vision. By working together, African nations can not only enhance their energy infrastructure but also set a precedent for future partnerships that lead to a more united and prosperous Africa.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mrs. Benkhadra, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is more than just a project; it’s a transformative initiative for the region and beyond.
Mrs. Benkhadra: Thank you for having me. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and the role we can play in shaping a sustainable energy future for all.