The Moroccan delegation participating in this meeting is led by the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Ms. Leila Benali, accompanied by the Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Ms. Amina Benkhadra, and the Moroccan ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ouali Tagma.
This 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 the ECOWAS member countries, of 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.
The meeting is part of the statutory process of adoption of community texts at ECOWAS. The subjects which will be brought to the examination and adoption of the Ministers in charge of Hydrocarbons concern 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.
The Abuja meeting comes after a regional workshop to review and validate the Host Government Agreement (HGA), organized from October 8 to 11 in Lagos, Nigeria, following many rounds of negotiations of the provisions of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the Host Government Agreement (HGA), organized in Rabat, Marrakech and Abidjan.
The organization of these working meetings and regional workshops on the draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the draft Host Government Agreement (HGA) is part of the strategic African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, launched following the visionary initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, and supported by the current Nigerian President Bola Tinbu.
These meetings offer the opportunity to finalize the provisions of the draft texts of the IGA and the HGA, following the comments and recommendations shared and discussed by the different countries crossed by this Gas Pipeline.
It should be emphasized that the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the Host Country Agreement (HGA) constitute key documents which define, in addition to the rules governing the legal relations between the States Parties, the rules of governance of the project, the relations contractual agreements between these States and the project investors.
Remember that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project aims to stimulate economic development and facilitate access to energy sources for the countries it passes through, but also to strengthen South-South cooperation between these countries in accordance with the strategic vision of His Majesty the King. Mohammed VI for sustainable and integrated energy development in Africa, particularly on the Atlantic coast.
Since the launch of the project following the initiative of the Sovereign and the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari in December 2016, several important stages have been completed, including the signing of MoUs between Morocco, Nigeria and the other states crossed, in addition to the finalization of the technical studies crucial for the development of this project.
How does the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project contribute to regional energy security in West Africa?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Energy Expert on African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Meeting
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to this special interview. Today, we’re diving into a significant event in the energy sector—the recent meeting about the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Abuja. We have with us Dr. Samuel Ndili, an expert in energy policy and regional collaborations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ndili.
Dr. Samuel Ndili (DSN): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The meeting saw the Moroccan delegation led by Minister Leila Benali and included key figures from ONHYM and the Moroccan ambassador to Nigeria. What do you think the presence of such high-profile officials indicates about the importance of this meeting?
DSN: It underscores the significance of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) initiative. The participation of top governmental and industry leaders illustrates a strong commitment from Morocco towards energy collaboration within ECOWAS. It also showcases Morocco’s role as a pivotal player in the African energy landscape.
TNE: The meeting aimed to adopt the intergovernmental agreement on the pipeline, which connects Nigeria to Morocco. Why is this project seen as crucial for both nations and the broader African region?
DSN: The AAGP is essential for multiple reasons. First, it aims to enhance energy security by creating a reliable gas supply route. It’s expected to facilitate energy trade not just between Nigeria and Morocco but also along the West African coast. Moreover, it could stimulate regional economic growth and support sustainable development goals across the region.
TNE: You mentioned regional economic growth. What impact do you think this pipeline could have on job creation and infrastructure development in the member states?
DSN: The potential is enormous. The construction and operation of the pipeline will create thousands of jobs, from skilled labor in engineering and construction to operational positions in management. Additionally, it will necessitate the development of related infrastructure—roads, refineries, and energy distribution networks—which can lead to a multiplier effect in the local economies.
TNE: This meeting follows a regional workshop earlier this month. How crucial are these preliminary discussions among sector experts before such high-level meetings?
DSN: They are absolutely critical. These discussions help build consensus and ensure that all technical details of the agreements are validated before presenting them to the ministers. It also allows experts to address any potential issues and propose solutions—streamlining the decision-making process at higher levels.
TNE: The meetings in Lagos, Rabat, and Abidjan were preceded by extensive negotiations. What challenges do you think negotiators faced in reaching a draft agreement?
DSN: Negotiating agreements for projects of this size often involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks, differing national interests, and economic considerations. There are also technical challenges related to pipeline construction and operation. Achieving consensus on these points requires patience, diplomacy, and a commitment to collaboration, which is no small feat.
TNE: Looking ahead, what do you believe are the next steps following the meeting in Abuja?
DSN: After the ministers review and adopt the intergovernmental and host government agreements, the focus will shift to securing funding and beginning the initial phases of construction. Stakeholder engagement, particularly involving local communities, will be crucial for the project’s success. This will not only ensure transparency but also build public support.
TNE: Dr. Ndili, what does the success of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline mean for the future of energy cooperation in Africa?
DSN: Success could serve as a model for future regional projects, showcasing the benefits of collaboration. It reinforces the idea that by working together, African nations can enhance energy security, promote economic growth, and push towards sustainable development. This can lead to a more integrated energy market across the continent, benefiting all participating nations.
TNE: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ndili. The AAGP indeed stands as a beacon of hope for enhanced energy collaboration in Africa.
DSN: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for energy in Africa.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for joining us in this important conversation. Stay tuned for more updates on energy initiatives in Africa.