The Chair of ECOWAS Ministers in charge of Energy and Hydrocarbons and the Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Gas Hon, Ekperikpe Ekpo has disclosed that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) has achieved some key developmental milestones towards a transformative takeoff of the project.

According to Hon. Ekperikpe, during a recent meeting of the ECOWAS Ministers held in Abuja Nigeria, he highlighted the importance of the AAGP project - which spans from Nigeria through multiple ECOWAS nations to Morocco - is to the continent and how it will unlock new markets, spur economic growth, and create jobs that will positively impact communities throughout the region.

He further stated that this landmark initiative will connect Nigeria's vast gas reserves to North Africa and Europe, expanding economic opportunities and driving energy security across Africa. He urged members of ECOWAS Ministers at the meeting as well as those from Morocco and Mauritania, to forge collaboration as it is crucial for the AAGP's success.

“I am pleased that we achieved consensus on the Intergovernmental Agreement and Host Government Agreement for the AAGP at the end of the meeting. These agreements are essential for strong, equitable partnerships and will guide collaboration between our nations. Hon. Ekperikpe Emphasized.

Restating the ECOWAS Ministers' resilient and dedicated commitments to the smooth take-off of the project via his official X handle, Hon. Ekpo said that the ECOWAS Ministers have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing hydrocarbon and energy trade within ECOWAS and beyond, making African gas accessible across the region and extending its reach in global gas markets.

Establishing the nation's state-owned oil firm's technical competence and experience already at its disposal to execute and manage such a project of great magnitude, the Honourable Minister stated that NNPC Ltd is well equipped with vast experience and technical know-how to execute the AAGP, having completed the second phase of the FEED study.

“NNPC Ltd is well-positioned to manage the project, leveraging its extensive experience in gas production, processing, and transmission. Significant headway has been made with completing the second phase of the front-end engineering design study, marking a crucial milestone in the project's development.

“Additionally, we are actively conducting service, environmental, and social impact assessments, while also progressing with the life acquisition and resettlement policy framework on this AAGP project,” Hon. Ekpo posited

“Achievements on the AAGP represent a milestone in the journey towards a unified African energy landscape and reinforce our collective commitment to regional and global energy security. I am delighted to be part of its history,” He added.