ALGIERS - The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, disclosed on Sunday in Algiers an upcoming meeting between the Energy Ministers of the three countries involved in the trans-Saharan gas pipeline (Algeria, Niger, Nigeria), to assess the progress made on this crucial project.
In a press statement after meeting with the Nigerian Oil Minister, Mr. Sahabi Oumarou, Mr. Arkab mentioned that “both parties have agreed to advance the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project and convene a ministerial meeting of the three concerned countries at the earliest opportunity. The details of this meeting will be coordinated with the Nigerian Oil Minister”.
The project has already commenced with technical studies and will proceed with meetings of the joint ministerial committee and the technical committee to evaluate the project's advancement in alignment with the established goals, he added.
Regarding his discussions with the Nigerian Oil Minister, Mr. Arkab indicated that he had reached an agreement with his counterpart to assist the Nigerian oil company (Sonidep S.A) in training professionals across the entire hydrocarbon sector, from exploration and prospecting to exploitation, production, transportation, and marketing.
The Minister also expressed Algeria's willingness to support Niger in the petrochemical field, leveraging its expertise in this domain, particularly in oil refining.
Concerning the Sonatrach-led oil project in the Kafra block (northern Niger), Mr. Arkab confirmed that he had concurred with his Nigerien counterpart to expedite the progress of this significant project, now in its second phase of finalizing exploration before proceeding to the exploitation phase.
They also agreed to provide all necessary resources for the realization of this project and its anticipated objectives, as per Mr. Arkab.
Emphasizing the necessity to “enhance ties between the two nations across various energy sectors,” the Minister declared that the visit of the Nigerian Oil Minister, ongoing until Wednesday, will culminate in the signing of multiple agreements affirming Algeria and Niger's dedication to strengthening their bilateral energy collaboration.
On his part, Mr. Oumarou mentioned that his visit to Algeria followed Mr. Arkab's visit last August.
After extending congratulations to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election for a second term, Mr. Oumarou reiterated Niger's aspiration to deepen cooperation with Algeria, a fraternal nation, in the energy sector, particularly in hydrocarbons.
He noted that discussions between the two sides unveiled Algeria's complete readiness to support Niger's burgeoning oil industry and facilitate its growth.
He also highlighted his country's urgent need for energy-related training and technical capacity enhancement, underscoring the importance of leveraging Algeria's capabilities and expertise in managing the hydrocarbons sector.
Comments