Construction has officially begun on the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a flagship energy project designed to transport Nigerian natural gas across Niger to Algeria for export to regional and international markets. The launch ceremony in Adrar was attended by the energy ministers of Algeria, Nigeria and Niger, alongside senior executives from their national oil companies, marking the formal transition of the project from planning to implementation.
The ministers Mohamed Arkab of Algeria, Ekperikpe Ekpo of Nigeria and Hamadou Tini of Niger joined officials from Sonatrach, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Niger’s Sonidep in inaugurating work at the Aoulef gas field in southern Algeria.
The start of construction follows the approval of an updated feasibility study and conclusions from the fifth ministerial meeting of the project’s steering committee, which coordinated technical and political preparations among the three participating states.
Algeria’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons described the pipeline as one of the largest strategic energy infrastructure projects on the African continent, highlighting its potential to reshape regional energy cooperation and strengthen cross-border integration.
Officials said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to boosting energy security, expanding export capacity and accelerating economic development across the participating countries.
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Once completed, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline will stretch more than 4,000 kilometres, transporting natural gas from Nigeria through Niger into Algeria, where it will connect to existing processing, liquefaction and export infrastructure.
From there, gas will be supplied to both regional markets and global buyers via Algeria’s established export routes.
The project is expected to carry between 20 billion and 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, positioning it among the largest gas pipeline developments in Africa and one of the most ambitious globally.
Beyond exports, the pipeline will also strengthen Algeria’s domestic energy system by linking existing and newly developed gas fields, including the Ahnet field, into the national network.
Officials involved in the project say the infrastructure will improve energy access, support industrial growth and deepen cooperation between West and North Africa’s energy sectors.
The groundbreaking comes after years of feasibility studies and negotiations, with the latest ministerial meeting approving the final technical report and clearing the way for execution.
Algeria’s Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said the launch demonstrates the “political will” of the three countries to advance a project long considered strategically significant for the continent’s energy future.
The TSGP is widely viewed as part of a broader effort by African producers to monetise natural gas reserves while strengthening regional infrastructure links and reducing reliance on external energy corridors.
Analysts say the project could also enhance Africa’s role in global gas markets at a time when demand for alternative supply routes is rising due to geopolitical tensions and energy security concerns.
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As construction begins in southern Algeria, attention is now shifting to financing, security coordination and phased implementation across Niger and Nigeria—key factors that will determine the pace and success of the multi-decade project.
