Niger Starts TSGP Surveys, Algeria Continues Pipeline Work
The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project is advancing with construction efforts in Algeria and initial topographical surveys underway in Niger. This progress places the TSGP, a joint initiative involving Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria, ahead of the competing Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic African Gas Pipeline, which is still awaiting its final investment decision. The three participating nations adopted an updated feasibility study in June, underscoring the project's development.
Algeria commenced work on its section of the pipeline on June 4, 2026, in Aoulef, located within the Adrar wilaya, with ministers from all three partner countries attending the launch. The TSGP is projected to span approximately 4,128 kilometers, connecting Nigeria's gas reserves to Algeria's existing network, which recorded a production of 62.6 billion cubic meters in seven months. This strategic infrastructure is designed to bolster regional energy connectivity.
Niger initiated topographical surveys for its 841-kilometer section of the pipeline in early October. The nation's Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, specified that these surveys would precede environmental, impact, and geotechnical studies, with teams working to finalize the route. Niamey is also collaborating with Algiers to synchronize their respective project timelines, following discussions held during a visit by Algeria's Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, to Niamey in late September. Further cooperation between Algeria and Niger was solidified in March with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on training, expert exchanges, and technology transfer.
In contrast, the Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic African Gas Pipeline project continues to progress toward a final investment decision, which Moroccan media, citing an impact study, anticipates in the fourth quarter of 2026. This project, which would span approximately 6,900 kilometers across 13 countries, still requires definitive financing commitments. A spokesperson for Nigeria's national oil company, NNPC, affirmed in August that both projects could proceed independently, noting that the TSGP "continues to progress professionally."
