Niger Expands Control Over Oil Exports Through Revised China Pipeline Deal

Mintesinot Nigussie

Niger will take a 45 percent ownership stake in the company managing the crude export pipeline from its Agadem oil fields to Benin. The revised agreement with Chinese partners significantly increases the country’s share of oil revenues.

The new deal also lowers transport tariffs to 15 US dollars per barrel from 27 dollars, potentially saving the government around 106 million US dollars annually. Officials said export earnings will now be transferred directly back to Niger.

The agreement includes plans to restart the Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou oil projects with around 1 billion US dollars in expected investment. National crude output is projected to reach 145,000 barrels per day by 2029.

This deal reflects a wider push by military-led governments in West Africa to secure larger stakes in strategic resource sectors.

China continues to engage in Niger’s oil sector as it seeks to diversify crude supply routes amid global geopolitical tensions.

The revised terms mark an important step in Niger’s efforts to gain greater control over its natural resources.