Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger Sign Strategic Agreements to Fast-Track Implementation: A Defining Milestone in the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 12th, 2025 — Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger took a momentous step forward on Tuesday in Algiers by signing a series of agreements aimed at accelerating the realization of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a strategic initiative poised to transform Africa’s energy landscape and cement the continent’s position in the global gas market.

The landmark accords include an updated feasibility study contract, a compensation agreement, and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between the national energy corporations of the three nations. These agreements mark a significant transition from planning to execution, ensuring the project’s feasibility, financial viability, and confidentiality in its developmental phases.

A Unified Vision for a Global Energy Future

The tripartite partnership underscores a shared determination to expedite the project’s implementation, with the broader ambition of positioning Africa as a dominant force in the global gas industry. One of the pivotal moments of the ministerial meeting was the formal signing of agreements between Algeria’s Sonatrach, Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Niger’s Société Nigérienne des Produits Pétroliers (Soniped). The conclusion of these agreements, coupled with the revitalization of technical studies, has propelled the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline into a new phase of tangible development.

“These advancements demonstrate our collective commitment to transforming the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline from a vision into a tangible reality that serves the interests of our nations and our continent at large,” stated Algeria’s Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab. He was joined at the high-profile ministerial gathering by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Sahabi Oumarou, and Niger’s Minister of Irrigation, Sanitation, and Environment, Maizama Abdoulaye.

Ensuring a Reliable and Sustainable Energy Supply

Minister Arkab emphasized that updating the feasibility study will define the necessary mechanisms and resources to accelerate the project’s execution within reasonable timeframes and at competitive costs. The minister reaffirmed Algeria’s steadfast commitment to advancing the initiative, which will span over 4,000 kilometers and fundamentally reshape Africa’s energy infrastructure.

“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It embodies a shared vision for a prosperous future, translating our collective ambition to construct a strategic energy bridge between Africa and the rest of the world,” Arkab asserted. “This project will elevate our continent’s standing in the global energy market and bolster regional and international cooperation, particularly in the context of the growing demand for gas supplies.”

The high-level discussions also featured participation from Sonatrach’s CEO and the top executives of NNPC and Soniped, underlining the strategic importance of the TSGP in ensuring energy security, fostering economic growth, and deepening regional integration.

A Catalyst for Regional Integration and Economic Growth

Minister Arkab highlighted that this monumental project will grant Africa a central position in the global energy market while simultaneously fortifying regional cooperation and economic integration. In terms of energy security, the pipeline will guarantee a stable and reliable gas supply to international markets, particularly in Europe, at a time when diversification of supply sources is a geopolitical imperative.

Beyond energy security, the TSGP is expected to stimulate massive economic investments, generate employment, and accelerate industrialization across Africa. By fueling industries such as electricity generation, fertilizer production, and petrochemicals, the pipeline will serve as a catalyst for broader economic expansion. The development of electricity networks benefiting millions of Africans will further enhance living standards across the continent.

“This project is a formidable engine of economic growth for our nations. It will create thousands of jobs during its construction and operational phases while driving industrialization and fostering the emergence of new economic activities,” Arkab affirmed. “Furthermore, our long-term vision includes integrating green hydrogen and renewable energy solutions into the infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable and forward-looking energy transition.”

Enhancing Security and Investment Confidence

Arkab stressed that the success of the TSGP hinges on strong political will, technical and financial collaboration, and the ability to attract strategic investments. “We stand at a historic crossroads, where we have the opportunity to transform this project into a true driver of economic transformation for Africa,” he remarked.

To achieve this vision, the participating nations will prioritize fast-tracking project execution by eliminating technical and financial bottlenecks, strengthening intergovernmental coordination, and creating an investment-friendly environment through partnerships with leading global energy companies and financial institutions.

Crucially, the security of the pipeline route remains paramount. Arkab underscored the importance of ensuring a stable and secure operational environment to facilitate the project’s seamless execution. “Algeria remains fully committed to this project and will continue working alongside Nigeria and Niger to turn this African dream into a reality and lay the foundation for a new energy future for the continent,” he declared.

With the immense expertise and resources of national energy giants Sonatrach, NNPC, and Soniped, the project is backed by robust technical know-how and financial muscle, providing a significant competitive edge in its execution. Algeria’s extensive experience in energy transport infrastructure, with Sonatrach managing a pipeline network spanning nearly 22,000 kilometers, further strengthens the project’s feasibility and operational prospects.

A Pivotal Moment in Africa’s Energy Evolution

Describing the ministerial summit as a “memorable moment,” Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Sahabi Oumarou, hailed Algeria’s leadership in uniting the three nations to propel the project forward. “Algeria has successfully overcome the challenge of bringing together the three brotherly countries—Nigeria, Algeria, and Niger—to work towards a common goal. This meeting reaffirms that beyond any temporary differences, we share a common destiny, future, and strategic interests,” he stated.

From Oumarou’s perspective, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline represents not just a project but a monumental step toward African integration. “The agreements signed today by the ministers and national oil companies mark the official launch of an initiative that is indispensable for the African people,” he emphasized.

Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, reinforced this sentiment, declaring that the project has entered its implementation phase. “The essence of our meeting—initiated by Algeria’s Minister of Energy—was to advance the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which has been in the works for some time. We are now moving towards realization,” he affirmed.

“This project is not just about energy exports; it is about leveraging our natural gas resources for Africa’s own economic development before looking outward,” Ekpo concluded.

With the reinforced commitment of Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is no longer a distant ambition but an imminent reality, poised to redefine Africa’s energy and economic trajectory for generations to come.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube