LAGOS, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian Ambassador to Algeria Jeremiah Hassan has in Oran, Algeria expressed Nigeria's commitment to the implementation of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline(TSGP) project.

    Hassan said that the multi-billion-dollar project was "not only viable but would also turn the economic fortunes around for the better."

    "This will open windows of opportunities to Nigeria. Many countries depend on gas to power their industries," he was quoted as saying by the official News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

    Hassan said that so far, the project had attracted some partners, including the European Union (EU) and Russia.

    According to him, Nigeria is working to establish a company that would see the project through, involving the construction of more than 4,000 km pipeline from Nigeria to Europe, through Niger and Algeria.

    "Feasibility studies had since been carried out and the report was submitted to the government. The project costs are also to be determined," Hassan said.

    The envoy said that Algeria had earmarked 10 billion U.S. dollars for the project, adding that each of the participating countries would contribute 25 percent of the project costs.

    Hassan said that the Russian involvement in the project became imperative since Russia, a country richly endowed with gas resources, already had a vast network of gas pipelines across Europe.