11 January 2004
The World Bank released initial project documents for the West African Gas Pipeline.
The World Bank released an initial Project Information Document for the West African Gas Pipeline on November 20, 2003, and an Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet describing chief environmental and social issues involved in the project, on December 17, 2003. These documents announce the World Bank’s consideration of a $60 million loan and $50 million guarantee to support the pipeline and associated gas market development and regulatory projects. According to the documents, WAGP is expected to go to the Bank's Board of Directors for approval in July 2004.
Civil society organizations in the WAGP region argue that until the violence and instability in the oil and gas communities of Nigeria’s Niger Delta cease and a viable plan to end gas flaring is in place, the World Bank Group should not finance any gas projects there. In addition to this fundamental concern, local organizations have highlighted problems with the specifics of the proposed pipeline and the manner in which it is being prepared. More on BIC's WAGP page