Nigeria, Niger, Algeria advance major Trans-Saharan gas pipeline to Europe

Nigeria, Niger and Algeria are moving forward with a 4,128-kilometre Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project that could supply Europe with up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, as the continent continues to diversify away from Russian energy supplies.

Construction has begun on the Algerian section of the long-planned pipeline, marking a significant step forward for one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to transport Nigerian gas through Niger to Algeria, where it would connect to existing export networks serving European markets, according to Business Insider Africa.

The launch of works on the Algerian segment was attended by Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Mohamed Arkab, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Niger’s Petroleum Minister Hamadou Tini.

The pipeline is designed to run from Warri in southern Nigeria to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel gas hub, passing through Niger. Once completed, it is expected to carry up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year, with exports reaching Europe via Algeria’s Mediterranean terminals and pipeline systems.

Project documents cited by local media show that the Algerian section will span about 1,210 kilometres from the Niger border to Aoulef in southern Algeria, where it will connect with existing infrastructure leading to Hassi R’Mel, one of the region’s key gas hubs. A significant portion of Algeria’s pipeline network is already in place, reducing the need for extensive new construction.

In Niger, authorities are expected to begin work on a 720-kilometre segment in early 2027, according to Petroleum Minister Hamadou Tini, who described the project as a “historic undertaking that would have a significant economic and social impact on communities along the pipeline route”.

Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said the project is “a driver of economic and social development, a source of wealth and employment, and a tool for strengthening African energy integration” while also supporting regional and international energy security.

Algeria currently supplies around 12% of European Union gas imports, positioning it as a key transit route for Nigerian gas into European markets.

The project has gained renewed momentum following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which prompted the European Union to accelerate efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy. The EU has set a goal of ending Russian gas dependence by late 2027, including phased restrictions on LNG and pipeline imports.

However, the Trans-Saharan pipeline faces competition from the proposed Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, another major project designed to carry Nigerian gas along the West African coast through multiple countries before reaching Morocco and potentially Europe.

By Sabina Mammadli