The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to collaborate with the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a transformative infrastructure project designed to connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African nations. The initiative aims to enhance regional energy security and drive economic growth across Africa and beyond.
The announcement was made following a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and WEF President Borge Brende. The meeting, which took place in Davos, Switzerland, occurred during the WEF’s annual conference, where global leaders gathered to discuss critical economic and geopolitical issues.
Speaking at the WEF meeting, Vice President Shettima underscored the pipeline’s potential to reshape the energy landscape in Africa and bolster global energy security.
“We seek your collaboration in fundamental areas, one of which is the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP).
“This pipeline will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries, transporting natural gas to North Africa and Europe. It is expected to improve energy security and economic growth in the region.”
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President
The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is a landmark project that will transport natural gas from Nigeria through West Africa, across Morocco, and into North Africa and Europe.
The Vice President emphasized the project’s strategic importance in the context of Europe’s energy challenges, particularly the continent’s dependence on Russian gas supplies.
He noted that the rising demand for energy due to artificial intelligence, data mining, and storage technologies presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria and its neighbors to fill the gap.
Shettima revealed that several West African nations with significant gas reserves are eager to connect to the pipeline, positioning the AAGP as a unifying force for regional integration.
“A lot of littoral states in West Africa who have discovered gas are more than willing to plug into the system and feed their gas to other end users,” he said.
Plans are also underway to explore undersea routes for the pipeline, which would ensure equitable benefits for all participating nations.
“We are also exploring the area of undersea passage of the pipelines for it to be a win-win for everyone.
“We want to use the WEF platform to bring this to fruition.”
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President
Nigeria’s Broader Economic Reforms
Beyond the pipeline project, Vice President Shettima highlighted the Tinubu administration’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria for sustained growth. These reforms include policies designed to attract foreign investment, diversify the economy, and create a more conducive business environment.
Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s importance as Africa’s largest economy, emphasizing its demographic significance. With a population of 250 million people, Nigeria is poised to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, surpassing the United States. By the end of the century, it is projected to become the world’s most populous country.
“Nigeria’s demographic prominence is a key driver of its economic potential.
“We are ready to host the WEF Africa summit to showcase the opportunities available in Nigeria and across the continent.”
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President
While the AAGP project primarily focuses on natural gas, which is considered a relatively cleaner fossil fuel, questions remain about its alignment with global climate goals. Critics argue that investment in gas infrastructure may slow the transition to renewable energy.
However, proponents, including Shettima, maintain that natural gas is a vital transition fuel for Africa, where energy poverty remains a pressing issue. By leveraging its gas reserves, Nigeria aims to provide reliable energy access to millions of people while contributing to global energy needs.
The partnership with the WEF provides a platform to attract global investment and technical expertise for the AAGP project. By aligning with the WEF’s mission of fostering public-private partnerships, Nigeria hopes to accelerate the project’s implementation and position itself as a leader in Africa’s energy transformation.
The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline represents a bold step toward addressing Africa’s energy challenges while enhancing regional cooperation and global energy security. As the project progresses, its success will depend on sustained collaboration among participating nations, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations like the WEF.
With Nigeria leading the charge, the AAGP has the potential to not only transform Africa’s energy landscape but also serve as a model for leveraging natural resources to drive economic development and regional integration. The coming months will be crucial as Nigeria works to mobilize resources and secure commitments to bring this ambitious vision to life.
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