In its bid to ensure the smooth implementation of the Trans Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) Project, the Nigerian government recently hosted a two-day strategic meeting with its Algerian and Nigerien counterparts in Abuja.

The 3rd meeting of the steering committee which was chaired by the Nigerian Minister of State for Energy (Gas), Mr. Emmanuel Olatunde Odusina saw the three countries deliberating on how to progress the project to the next level (the definitional phase).

The meeting had earlier discussed extensively the admission of Niger Republic as a co-sponsor of the strategic project. Hitherto, Nigeria and Algeria have been the only two sponsors of the TSGP.

In his remarks, Mr. Odusina said that the meeting has provided a powerful platform for the three countries to play a leading role in the energy development of Sahel Africa.

The TSGP project, the minister said, was an offshoot of several landmark bilateral agreements executed by Nigeria and Algeria during bi-national meeting held in Abuja in 2002.

“The two governments mandated their respective national oil companies, NNPC and SONATRACH, to jointly carry out a comprehensive feasibility study with the purpose of establishing the techno-economic viability of the TSGP project,” he added.

Mr. Odusina stressed that adequate gas supply for the project has been guaranteed for the first 25 years of operation. The 1,300 kilometer-pipeline will carry gas from Warri, Delta State to Algeria’s Mediterranean coast, for onward export to Europe.

He said the findings of a team of experts from Nigeria and Algeria, which investigated whether there would be adequate gas available for the project, had reported that there was no worry in that regard.

“Adequate reserves have been set aside for the TSGP for the first 25 years of operation. I believe this development will pave the way for a rapid development of the project,” the minister said.

The TSGP, if fully implemented, is designed to integrate the economies of the sub-region; create wealth and improve the living standards of the people in the sub-region.

The fight against desertification is also expected to be strengthened through the provision of a suitable alternative to the use of biomass fuel as energy source in the transit countries.

Earlier in his remarks, the Algerian Minister of Mines and Energy, Dr. Chakib Khelil said the project which has made tremendous progress since 2002 is an integral part of the NEPAD Initiative and thus is supported by all three leaders of the respective countries.

On how to finance the project, Mr. Khelil who doubles as the OPEC President maintained that so long as the principles in the contract between buyers and sellers of the gas are upheld, there would be no problem with financing.

Also speaking, the Nigerien Minister of Mines and Energy, Mr. Mohamed Abdoulahi stated that his country is building on the experience of Nigeria and Algeria towards the co-sponsorship of the programme.