The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a four-day regional workshop aimed at reviewing and validating the Host Government Agreement (HGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project (AAGP).
The event, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, brings together key stakeholders from across the region to finalise the terms governing the relationship between host countries and the project company. This step is crucial for the project’s success, as it lays the groundwork for cooperation among the involved nations.
The AAGP is a major regional initiative that merges the West African Gas Pipeline Extension Project and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline into one 7,000 km infrastructure. The pipeline will traverse 13 coastal countries and connect landlocked ECOWAS members, providing them with a secure and sustainable energy source. Once operational, the pipeline will supply natural gas not only to West Africa but also potentially to Europe, supporting energy security and economic development in the region.
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During the workshop, ECOWAS representatives and key figures, including Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, highlighted the significance of the pipeline for West Africa’s energy future. It is expected to foster regional industrialization, create jobs, and promote economic growth, while also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The workshop aims to finalize critical agreements like the HGA, which will be adopted by Heads of State later this year.
The project, spearheaded by Nigeria and Morocco, has gained significant momentum and is viewed as a transformative initiative for the region. With its focus on natural gas, a cleaner energy source, the pipeline aligns with regional and global sustainability goals, making it a landmark project for West Africa’s energy sector.
