Minister  Of State For Petroleum, Ekpo, Says African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Will Transform Regional Energy

From Akwang Umoetuk

The minister  of state for Petroleum (Gas) has said that the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline spanning from Nigeria through multiple ECOWAS countries to Morocco will transform the regional energy landscape and unlock new markets.

Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, who stated this while addressing a joint meeting of ECOWAS ministers in charge of energy and hydrocarbons in Abuja over the weekend, further said the project will enhance energy security and driving economic growth in the region.

According to the Ekpo, linking the natural gas reserves in Nigeria to North Africa and Europe, the initiative would expands opportunities for economic growth, industrialisation and job creation for benefitting communities across the linkage countries.

" The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project is not just a pipeline project, it is a major step forward in our vision of an integrated hydrocarbons and energy infrastructure within Africa.

The merger of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project and the Nigeria -Morocco Gas Pipeline project into the Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline project followed the decision at the 63rd ordinary session of the authority of ECOWAS heads of state and government of last year July 8, 2023.

In a release by the Minister's spokesman, Louis Ibah, Ekpo said this reflects the region's strategic vision for a more connected and economically vibrant pipeline network.

The minister stressed that the intergovernmental agreement would serve as the framework guiding relations between states involved.
 
" The host government agreement forms the foundation of a mutually beneficial partnership that would promise stability and predictability in our investment climate. "