By Abdulrazaq Hamzat
When Russia and Ukraine war broke out, many things changed in the economic structure of the world.
Russia is the highest supplier of gas to Europe, but the war in Ukraine has caused what seems like an irreversible breakage, leading to cutting down of European dependence on Russia for energy supply.
Nigeria, being one of the countries with enormous gas reserves, should naturally seek to take over Russia’s space in Europe by becoming a major supplier of gas, but we do not have the infrastructure to move our gas to Europe.
For many years, we have aspired to take advantage of this opportunity but there was no sufficient will and resources to actualize it.
So, despite the huge opportunity the Russia-Ukraine war provided to Nigeria to catch a huge market for our gas, we couldn’t utilize the opportunity.
Europe therefore had no option than to continue to tactically deal with Russia while they work with others to develop an alternative.
As a result of this, Nigeria saw the need to invest in this project and in June 2022, it went into an agreement with Algeria to Fast-track the Trans Sahara Gas Pipeline Project to connect to existing global gas network.
This gas pipeline passes from Nigeria to several countries, particularly Niger Republic and from there to Algeria.
The pipeline will start in the Warri region in Nigeria and run north through Niger to Hassi R’Mel in Algeria.
In Hassi, Algeria, the pipeline will connect to the existing Trans-Mediterranean, Maghreb–Europe, Medgaz and Galsi pipelines.
The pipeline is to be built and operated by the partnership between the NNPC and Sonatrach. The company would include also the Republic of Niger.
Initially, NNPC and Sonatrach would hold a total 90% of shares, while Niger would hold 10%.
Russian gas company Gazprom has negotiated with Nigeria about its possible participation in the project.
Also Indian company GAIL, France’s Total S.A., Italy’s Eni SpA and Royal Dutch Shell have expressed interest in participating in the project.
But according to the Algerian energy minister, Chakib Khelil “only partners that can bring something to the project, not just money, should be there.”
Energy ministers of Algeria and Nigeria have said that “if things go well, there will be no need to bring international oil companies into the project” and “if the need for partnership in the project arises, not every partner will be welcome on board on the project.
This is a diplomatic way of excusing many interested parties.
Russia saw this as a major issue for its business in Europe and it may not be unconnected to the situation in Niger Republic.
Nigeria also understood this and so his European Union, including France.
The coup in Niger, which had Russia’s influence, naturally put Nigeria at the mercy of Russia on this project and many others.
If the coup plotters are not removed in Niger Republic, Russia will not only slow down the project through them; they may outrightly kill the project or force themselves into the deal, all of which will not favor Nigeria.
So, the issue in Niger Republic is not just about democracy, it is also about economic warfare for the survival of all the parties concerned!