US embassy cable - 04LAGOS2274

UNCLAS LAGOS 002274 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
STATE FOR AF/W 
STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC/ENR/BLEVINE 
STATE FOR INR/AA 
STATE PASS DOE FOR DAS JBRODMAN AND CGAY 
STATE PASS DOC PHUEPER 
STATE PASS OPIC FOR CDUFFY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EPET, EINV, PGOV, NI 
SUBJECT:  MISSION FEEDBACK ON WAGP PROJECT 
 
 
1.  (U)  Mission was contacted by OPIC this week to provide 
comments regarding environmental, worker health, and safety 
implications for the proposed West African Gas Pipeline 
(WAGP) project in Nigeria.  Mission is pleased to have the 
opportunity to provide these comments.  However, Mission 
does not believe it is possible to provide detailed feedback 
before the pending OPIC Board Meeting on 11 November.  Post 
is supportive of the project's goals, which include 
stimulation of the private sector through reliable power 
transmission, and progress on environmental goals, through a 
reduction in gas flaring and increased use of gas in place 
of less ecologically-sound alternatives. 
 
2.  (SBU)  Post is aware that a full environmental impact 
study on the project was carried out.  Nonetheless, OPIC 
should be aware that in a recent Nigerian press account, the 
non-governmental organization, Environmental Rights Action 
(ERA) has alleged potential negative impacts from the WAGP 
project, including destruction of farmland, adjacent 
villages, mangroves, and barrier beaches to clear access 
the pipeline route.  The press article or additional follow- 
on action by ERA could create a degree of negative public 
sentiment towards the project.  Mission will conduct 
discussions with project sponsors and local stakeholders 
regarding environmental/social issues relevant to WAGP.  We 
anticipate carrying out these meetings by the end of 
November, and issuing a Mission statement on the WAGP 
project soon thereafter. 
 
3.   (U)  This message was cleared by Embassy Abuja. 
 
BROWNE