Latest news with #HostCountryAgreement
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: Feasibility Study, Route Finalized
Rabat – The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project has made significant progress, with key agreements signed, feasibility and engineering studies completed. Plans are also underway to create a special-purpose company and make the final investment decision by the end of 2025. Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, shared the latest developments on the project during a session in the Council of Advisors, the upper house of Morocco's parliament. Speaking at the oral questions session, Benali revealed that the latest ministerial meeting concerning the project had resulted in the approval of an agreement between the participating countries, along with the Host Country Agreement. These agreements mark a significant step forward in the project, which aims to connect Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves to Morocco, and further extend to Europe. The minister explained that the project will proceed in phases, noting that the feasibility study and initial engineering studies have been completed, along with determining the optimal route for the pipeline. The focus currently is on creating a special-purpose company between Morocco and Nigeria to oversee the implementation of the project. This company will be responsible for the final investment decision, which is expected to be made by the end of this year. Read also: UAE To Invest in Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline Project The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project, which is estimated to cost approximately $25 billion, represents a major driver for economic, industrial, and digital development, Benali says. It is also expected to create thousands of job opportunities and serve as a key factor in transforming Morocco into a primary energy transit hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic basin. One of the key components of this project is the creation of a national gas infrastructure. The Moroccan government launched a call for interest in April 2025 to develop infrastructure that will connect the northern regions of Morocco, including the port of Nador, to cities such as Kenitra, Mohammedia, and eventually to Dakhla. This expansion will help integrate the national network with the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline. The pipeline itself will span approximately 6,000 kilometers, passing through several African countries, with an annual capacity of 15 to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas. It is expected to provide access to energy for about 400 million people across 13 countries, dramatically improving energy access in the region. Tags: gas projectMorocco Nigeria
Daily Tribune
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Saudi Arabia Hosts New INTERPOL Regional Bureau for MENA Region
Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of this new step in the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to contribute to global and regional security. The Regional Bureau will work alongside key regional and national bodies such as the Arab Interior Ministers' Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council Police (GCCPOL), and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences to enhance cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordination in tackling cross-border threats. The idea for a Regional Bureau was initially proposed during the 2016 INTERPOL Chiefs of Police Meeting for the MENA region. The proposal gained momentum with formal endorsement from INTERPOL's General Assembly during its meeting in Santiago, Chile, in 2019. The final approval for the Host Country Agreement came from INTERPOL's Executive Committee in May 2024. The Host Country Agreement incorporates several essential principles to ensure the Bureau's successful operation, including financial, administrative, security, and logistical arrangements. The next phase will involve finalizing these aspects as the Regional Bureau gears up to open its doors shortly. The creation of the MENA Regional Bureau marks a significant milestone in global efforts to combat transnational crime and strengthen international security cooperation. With Saudi Arabia's strategic location and commitment to regional stability, the Bureau is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing these goals within the MENA region and beyond.
