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Written on Published on policy.
Niger is eager to diversify its oil industry by developing an oil complex and refinery in Dosso, in the west of the country, to strengthen its sovereignty in this strategic area. Mr. Chaibou Ibrah Abdoul Nasser, Director of the Hydrocarbons Department of the Ministry of Petroleum, said that the move, announced on August 2, 2024 by the Head of State, General Abourahamne Tiani, is aimed at maximizing profits from local oil extraction rather than focusing on exports.
Niger currently produces 110,000 barrels of crude oil per day, of which 20,000 barrels are refined in Solaze and 90,000 barrels are exported through Niger Wapco. Mr. Chabu Ibra stressed that the establishment of a petroleum complex in Dosso will reduce dependence on the import of derivative products, thereby strengthening national sovereignty.
In addition, a petroleum school will be set up at the University of Zinder to train national managers, a project considered essential for Niger’s energy independence. The country is also exploring new opportunities for oil cooperation with Algeria, especially the development of the Kafra block and the construction of the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline, a project scheduled for 2027 that will connect Nigeria to Algeria via Niger. In addition to increasing Niger’s natural gas reserves (estimated to be more than 23 billion cubic meters), the project could also bring significant revenue to Niger.
Finally, a reduction in fuel prices at the pumps was implemented in July 2024 to reduce the cost of living for Nigeriens. Other measures are being studied to continue this policy of reducing prices.
Niger’s oil and gas potential is yet to be fully developed, with several blocks ready for production. The national oil company SONIDEP plans to develop the Bilma block by 2025, which would mark a major step forward in national oil production. Currently, the country has 44 oil blocks, of which nine have been licensed and 35 are open for exploration.
Boubacar Guédé (Nigerien expatriate)
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