(Ecofin Agency) - Nigeria and Morocco have signed an initial feasibility studies agreement to advance the construction of a new coastal pipeline that would transport gas from Escravos to Morocco, according to Ndu Ughamadu, the Group General Manager Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Ughamadu who confirmed this to ThisDay, explained that the funds for the project’s initial feasibility studies have been released. He, however, did not disclose the amount or the date for commencement of the work.

This was in addition to the assemblage of experts from both countries, with the NNPC at the forefront of the studies for Nigeria.

It should be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari and Moroccan King Mohammed VI in December 2016 signed a strategic partnership agreement and a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the gas pipeline. The 4,000 km $25 billion pipeline is expected to cover fifteen countries.

Anita Fatunji