Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger have launched a new phase of construction aimed at completing a section of the pipeline

Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger have launched a new phase of construction aimed at completing the Algerian section of Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a major energy project designed to carry Nigerian gas to international markets through North Africa, APS reported on Thursday.

The ceremony took place in Algeria's Adrar region and was attended by senior officials from the three countries. The event came a day after the project's steering committee approved the final feasibility study and endorsed its recommendations, clearing the way for the next stage of implementation.

First proposed more than 15 years ago, the 4,000-kilometer pipeline is designed to transport between 20 and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, where it would be linked to existing infrastructure for delivery. The project has been stalled primarily by security concerns across the Sahel region, compounded by financing challenges and shifting regional politics.

The three ministers pointed out that the TSGP "embodies the common political will" of Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria, as quoted by APS.

"This project means a lot to the three countries in terms of industrialisation and job creation," Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigerian minister of state for petroleum resources, said as quoted by The Sun.

The move comes after Algeria and Niger agreed in February to restart work on the long-delayed project following talks in Algiers between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Niger's military leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Tebboune said at the time that construction would resume after Ramadan, with Algeria's state energy company Sonatrach leading implementation.

READ MORE: Neighbors agree to restart trans-Saharan gas pipeline

The agreement marked a diplomatic thaw between Algiers and Niamey after relations deteriorated in April 2025, when Algeria shot down an armed drone near its southern border with Mali. The incident prompted Niger, alongside Mali, and Burkina Faso, to recall its ambassador.

RT

(RT.com)