Trans-Saharan Pipeline Prospect Receiving Attention

Nigeria, which has the seventh largest reserves of Natural Gas of any country in the world is beginning to receive heavy attention because of its prospects of supplying some of its gas to Europe through a trans-Saharan pipeline. Gazprom, Russia's leading gas supplier has already held talks with the Government of Nigeria over the pipeline, signing a memorandum of understanding covering co-operation in the exploration, development and transportation of gas reserves. The European Union has quickly followed suit, expressing its desire to help build the pipeline which could take gas from Nigeria to Europe through Niger and Algeria. Gas from Nigeria would be a very crucial alternative supply source for the EU which has had differences with its current chief supplier, Russia. Nigeria (and the other countries along the pipeline route) would, of course, have to find a means of protecting the pipeline, with the presence of militants in Nigeria's gas-producing Niger Delta, Tuareg rebels in Niger, and Islamist groups in Algeria who may see the pipeline as a very tempting target.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7621500.stm