MISSION FEEDBACK ON WAGP PROJECT

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