African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Sparks Concerns Over Economic Viability

The proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project has raised concerns about Nigeria's national interest and economic viability. The pipeline, estimated to cost $27 billion, aims to transport gas from the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea to Morocco through several countries along the West African coast.

Nigeria's government officials have stated that the country has over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, but critics argue that these reserves are not yet developed or available for commercial use. The country continues to struggle with inadequate and unreliable gas supply, which affects its electricity sector and industries.

The author of an open letter to President Tinubu questions the project's economic sense for Nigeria, citing the need for a consolidated national gas balance that shows what is developed and available, what has already been committed, and what remains for new long-term exports. The letter also highlights the complexity of navigating multiple treaty obligations, ownership arrangements, regulatory systems, and financial structures with several countries along the proposed route.