Top energy officials from Algeria and Niger met in Algiers on Sunday to revitalize plans for the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a $13 billion project that would transport gas from Nigeria to the Mediterranean Sea.

The 4,000-kilometer pipeline has been discussed for decades, with sections already existing in Nigeria and Algeria. However, a critical link through Niger has remained elusive. 

Gas-rich Nigeria is eager to exploit its vast resources, and the TSGP is one of three export pipeline options under consideration.

On September 29, Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab welcomed Niger's newly appointed Petroleum Minister Sahabi Oumarou and a delegation to discuss the TSGP and other energy matters. 

The Algerian Energy Ministry said the talks provided an opportunity to review the project's progress and schedule further meetings.

Oumarou emphasized the pipeline's importance to all involved countries and expressed Niger's readiness to resume consultations with the petroleum ministers of Niger, Algeria, and Nigeria in the coming weeks.

The meeting included representatives from the state oil companies Sonatrach (Algeria), Sonidep (Niger), and Sonelgaz (Niger), as well as oil and gas regulatory agencies.