Stretching nearly 6,000 kilometers across 13 West African countries, the proposed Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline aims to deliver African gas to Europe amid global energy uncertainty. But questions over financing, security, and Nigeria's ability to sustain long-term gas supply threaten to test one of the continent's most ambitious infrastructure projects.

With an estimated cost of $25 billion and a planned capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, the pipeline is being positioned as a major alternative supply route to Europe from the heart of Africa—at a time of heightened global energy uncertainty.

Although a final investment decision has yet to be reached, several international backers, including the United Arab Emirates, the OPEC Fund, and the European Investment Bank, have already signaled financial commitments to the project.

Energy lawyer Olisa Agbakoba says the pipeline's strategic value lies in Morocco's proximity to Europe.

"This initiative is great. Sending the gas to Morocco makes sense because Morocco understands how to leverage its closeness to Europe. From Morocco to Europe is probably 20 minutes. Morocco is becoming a major commercial and energy hub for Europe and the MENA region."

Given the project's continental scope, African development financiers are also expected to play a critical role.

"Because this project crosses 13 African countries, African funding must be on the table," said Gbolahan Olojede, an investment banker. "Institutions like Afreximbank, the Africa Finance Corporation, and the African Development Bank will be required to participate in financing a project of this scale."

Gas supply concerns

However, financing alone may not be enough. A central question remains whether Nigeria can reliably supply sufficient gas volumes over the long term, given domestic infrastructure constraints.

Energy consultant Charles Majomi cautioned that Nigeria must first address internal bottlenecks.

"We don't yet have sufficient infrastructure to deliver gas to our own domestic economy. Even though it's a good idea, none of this really makes sense until we get serious about investing in gas infrastructure and upstream development—both associated and non-associated gas—to meet domestic needs and export ambitions."

Nigeria's gas push

Under its Decade of Gas initiative, Nigeria is seeking to harness its estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. The government says it plans to unlock up to $20 billion in new investments through more than 70 priority gas projects over the coming years.

Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says early progress is already visible.

"Our gas production has increased from about 6.5 million to over 7.5 million standard cubic feet per day. These gains are underpinned by structural reforms, and we expect additional investment decisions and significant capital inflows going forward."

Security risks

Security remains another major challenge. Large sections of the pipeline will traverse regions affected by political instability and insurgency, raising concerns over construction and long-term protection.

Still, Olojede argues that economic incentives could help overcome such obstacles.

"Even in countries facing insecurity, these discussions can still happen. Stakeholders—whoever controls territory—will understand that this gas benefits their countries. Beyond that, the pipeline is a stabilizing factor across several nations, all the way into Europe."

Long-term vision

Construction is expected to begin once the Final Investment Decision is taken, with completion projected for 2046.

Nigeria is banking on the project to monetize its vast gas reserves, curb gas flaring, and strengthen its position in global energy markets. If realized, the pipeline could place the country firmly on the path toward long-term energy security—though not without formidable challenges along the way.