Sojitz Aiming to Win Pipeline Project in Nigeria

Tokyo, Sept. 19 (Jiji Press)–Major trader Sojitz Corp. will conduct a feasibility study for a Nigerian natural gas pipeline project with the aim of winning the whole contract which is seen to be worth tens of billions of yen, it was learned Friday.

The feasibility study will be carried out jointly with state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp., Sojitz officials said.

The project calls for constructing a 100-kilometer-long pipeline in southwestern Nigeria to supply natural gas to the African country’s western region that includes the biggest city of Lagos, according to the officials.

The natural gas will be used as energy for power generation.

Sojitz will help Nigeria improve its power supply abilities. Power failure often occurs even in urban areas of the country, according to the officials.

The planned pipeline represents the first project under the Nigeria Gas Master Plan 2008, which the country drew up in February.

Capitalizing on soaring energy prices, Nigeria plans to accelerate work to build infrastructure in order to improve people’s lives and promote industrial development. Nigeria is the biggest oil producer in Africa and is also rich in natural gas reserves.

Sojitz’s assistance to the Nigerian project is expected to contribute to Japan’s efforts to secure energy and other resources.END

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