The current military leaders in Niger have inaugurated a substantial oil pipeline, allowing for the export of crude oil to Benin.
The 2,000-kilometre-long pipeline will enable Niger, one of the world’s poorest nations, to sell its crude on the international market through the port of Seme in Benin. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Agadem oil site, approximately 1,700 kilometers from the capital, Niamey, located in the desert area of Diffa.
Prime Minister Ali Zeine emphasized that the revenue generated from this exploitation would be utilized for the country’s sovereignty and development.
The border between Niger and Benin is closed following heavy sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States after the July 26 military takeover.
Energy ministers from Mali and Burkina Faso, who have shown support to Niger’s new leaders and have both undergone military coups in the past two years — were present at the ceremony.
The pipeline project was supposed to be completed in 2022 but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project owner told AFP.
The oil is extracted by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
Some $6 billion has been invested in the project, according to Niger’s government, including $4 billion to develop the oil fields and $2.3 billion for the construction of the pipeline.
It says this investment has allowed the country to increase oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, with an official target to increase to 200,000 barrels per day by 2026.
Niger, where the military seized power on July 26 by overthrowing elected president Mohamed Bazoum, had seen mass protests calling for troops of former colonial ruler France to leave.
As well as the ECOWAS sanctions, many Western countries have cut off development aid to Niger.
The World Bank has warned that GDP growth is set to fall to 2.3 percent this year if international sanctions continue.
