Africa’s Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) has taken another step forward following the commencement of pipeline construction along the Algeria-Niger corridor, supporting progress on one of the continent’s largest natural gas infrastructure projects.
The development follows renewed cooperation between Algeria and Niger, enabling construction activities to move ahead on the section of the pipeline that will cross Niger. Algeria’s national energy company, Sonatrach, is expected to lead construction activities on its portion of the project.
The US$13 billion Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas annually from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, where it will connect to existing export infrastructure serving international markets.
Stretching approximately 4,128 kilometres, the pipeline includes 1,037 kilometres in Nigeria, 841 kilometres in Niger, and 2,310 kilometres in Algeria, making it one of Africa’s most significant cross-border gas transportation projects.
AKK pipeline nears completion
Progress is also continuing on Nigeria’s Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which forms the first phase of the broader Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) and provides a critical link to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline network.
According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the 614-kilometre, 40-inch AKK pipeline reached 91% completion as of December 2025.
The main pipeline has been completed, while welding activities on remaining sections continue. Construction of Intermediate Pigging Stations (IPS) and Block Valve Stations (BVS) is also progressing as part of the final project phase.
Once operational, the AKK pipeline is expected to transport up to 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day (Bcf/d), with future expansion capacity estimated at 3.5 Bcf/d.
OB3 pipeline supports gas supply
The AKK pipeline will receive its primary gas supply from the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, another strategic infrastructure project that has reached 96% completion.
Construction of the challenging River Niger crossing has been completed, while remaining commissioning activities continue ahead of final project completion.
The combined progress of the AKK, OB3 and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline projects is expected to strengthen regional gas transportation infrastructure, improve domestic gas distribution, expand export capacity and support long-term natural gas development across West and North Africa.
