Niger Announced Commissioning of Oil Pipeline to Benin

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): The authorities in Niger announced that it has commissioned a mammoth pipeline to carry oil to neighbouring Benin. The pipeline is approximately 2,000 kilometres long and will help Niger to sell its crude for the first time in international market via Benin port.

The official ceremony to mark the commissioning of the pipeline was held at the Agadem oil site in Diffa desert region, nearly 1,500 miles away from the capital city of Niamey. The ceremony was attended by energy ministers from Mali as well as Burkina Faso. The pipeline project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2022, but was delayed on account of Covid-19 pandemic.

Niger has invested around $6 billion in the project. Approximately $4 billion was spent in construction and development of the oil field, while another $2.3 billion was spent on constructing the pipeline. The investment is expected to boost the country’s oil production to 110,000 barrels per day. Niger targets to boost its oil production to 200,000 barrels per day by 2026.

Commenting on the development, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Laman Zeine said that the new pipeline will contribute to the country’s sovereignty and development.