Algeria Opens New Section of Nigeria‑Europe Gas Pipeline Worth $13 billion

Algeria has begun construction on a new segment of the Trans‑Saharan Gas Pipeline, a major project that will carry natural gas from Nigeria to Europe via Niger and Algeria.

During a ceremony, Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Mohamed Arkab, along with officials from Nigeria and Niger, opened the first welding operations for the 48‑inch diameter pipeline.

Project documents released to journalists and seen by Anadolu show that the new Algerian section will run 1,210 kilometers (752 miles) from the Niger border to Aoulef, where it will link to the gas transport network that leads to the Hassi R’Mel field, Africa’s largest natural gas field.

From Hassi R’Mel, gas will be sent to export terminals at Beni Saf on Algeria’s western coast or at El Kala in the east, near the Tunisian border.

The Trans‑Saharan Gas Pipeline is one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects, with a total length of 4,327 kilometers (2,689 miles) that connects Nigeria’s Warri city to Hassi R’Mel through Niger.

Within Nigeria, the pipeline covers 1,185 kilometers, while in Niger it spans 720 kilometers. The Algerian portion totals 2,424 kilometers, of which 1,210 kilometers are being newly built; the remainder consists of existing pipelines that move gas from southern fields to pumping stations and northern cities.

Arkab said the project will allow the transport of more than 20 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year from Nigeria and Algeria to European markets.

He added that the initiative reflects President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to strengthen African cooperation and broaden partnerships among Global South countries.