Mohamed Arkab Meets Nigerian Parliamentary Delegation: Toward a Strategic and Sustainable Energy Partnership Between Algeria and Nigeria

The meeting, held in the presence of Karima Bekir Tafer, Secretary of State for Mines, Fekhour Ibrahim, Vice-President of the People’s National Assembly, as well as the Ambassador of Nigeria to Algeria and several senior officials from the ministry, provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the fields of hydrocarbons and mining.

Both sides commended the longstanding and historic ties uniting Algeria and Nigeria, reiterating their shared commitment to elevate the strategic partnership through concrete projects and joint initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and advancing Africa’s economic integration.

A central focus of the talks was the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project (TSGP), one of the continent’s most ambitious and strategic regional energy ventures. Designed to connect Nigeria’s vast gas reserves to Algeria’s pipeline network, the project is intended to meet the growing demand for natural gas across neighboring African markets and Europe alike. The two parties reviewed the progress of technical and economic feasibility studies launched in March 2025, underscoring their mutual determination to accelerate the project’s realization as a key pillar of Africa’s energy future.

Discussions also explored the expansion of cooperation into other priority areas, including training and capacity-building, energy sector regulation, and strategic planning. Both delegations emphasized the importance of bolstering coordination within regional and international organizations, such as the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Minister Arkab hailed the positive momentum in Algerian-African relations, affirming that this approach aligns with Algeria’s national energy policy, which promotes South–South partnerships and strengthens Sonatrach’s continental presence. He reiterated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to an African vision of development grounded in economic solidarity and complementarity.

For his part, Tajudeen Abbas expressed Nigeria’s deep appreciation for its enduring relationship with Algeria and reaffirmed his country’s determination to consolidate bilateral cooperation through structural, high-value projects. He commended Algeria’s proactive role in advancing African energy cooperation, particularly through the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which he described as both feasible and forward-looking, noting that its route across only three countries ensures its practicality and efficiency.