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written in Published in policy.
In the most recent Interviewed by Niger’s official newspaperIn an interview with the official newspaper of Niger, the Minister of Petroleum, Mr. Mahaman Moustapha Barké Bako, gave details of the expectations of the President of the CNSP, the Head of State, and the actions taken to achieve the development of the oil sector.
Mission Letter: A Clear Commitment
The Minister stressed the importance of the letters sent by the Chairman of CNSP, His Excellency Brigadier General Abdulrahman Tiyani, to members of the Government. These letters reflect the vision of the CNSP and are intended to guide the actions of Ministers for national development.
For the Ministry of Petroleum, the new mission letter focuses on three main points: strengthening regulation of the extraction of oil and gas resources, defining an enabling framework for investment and diversified extraction, and developing measures to evaluate the results and performance of the ministry.
Niger: A new crude oil exporter
Niger recently joined the ranks of crude oil exporters. The minister said President Tiyani has taken all necessary measures to ensure that the country fully benefits from this new situation. Precautionary measures have been taken to control the volume of crude oil exports and tanker loads. In addition, oil inspection training has been organized for the staff of the ministry.
Ensuring that oil wealth benefits everyone
The minister insisted on the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the negotiations, which have allowed Niger to generate significant foreign exchange. Thanks to sales with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the companies SORAZ and SONIDEP have been able to increase exports and maintain stable production.
Improving the working and living conditions of employees in Niger
In response to concerns about the wage gap between Nigerien and foreign employees of oil companies, the minister announced a significant wage increase for Nigerien employees and an end to the provision of services by employment agencies to Nigerien workers. The aim is to guarantee stable employment and improve working conditions for all employees.
Promoting Nigerian Business
The minister recalled the directive of the head of state aimed at supporting Nigerien companies in subcontracting. A draft local content regulation has been submitted to ensure that foreign companies can only benefit from contracts if no Nigerien company is capable of providing the services.
Future prospects and new partners
Niger continues to diversify its partnerships in the oil sector, with companies such as SIPEX and SAVANNAH having been granted exploration licenses. The minister also announced that the Niger Oil Company (SONIDEP) has been authorized to explore new oil blocks, which will increase national production capacity.
Alternatives to the Niger-Benin pipeline
Faced with the actions of the Benin authorities, Niger is considering alternatives, notably the Niger-Chad-Cameroon pipeline and the construction of a new refinery in Dosso. These projects are aimed at strengthening Niger’s autonomy in the management of its oil resources.
Lowering gas pump prices: A priority
The minister concluded by mentioning the formation of a working group to consider revising the prices of petroleum products to reduce prices at the pumps. Discussions are also underway to reduce the prices of basic necessities and urban and inter-city transport.
The interview highlighted the efforts of the Nigerien government to optimize the extraction of its oil resources while ensuring that all citizens share the benefits equitably.
Boubacar Guédé (Nigerien expatriate)
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