Niger-Benin Pipeline Standoff: Resolution Remains Elusive

The Benin-Niger inter-state committee meeting has not resolved issues between the two neighboring countries, which have partnered with China National Petroleum Corp on an oil project.

The pipeline, linking Koulele in Niger to the port of Seme in Benin, will produce about 90,000 barrels per day. Niger currently pumps around 20,000 barrels of oil, most from China National Petroleum Corp. projects in the Agadem Rift Basin.

The border remains closed on the Nigerien side after months of icy relations. Niger’s Prime Minister Lamine Ali Zeine accused Benin of driving out Nigerien representatives at the port. Benin has granted temporary authorization for the first ship to load Nigerian oil at the Sèmè platform.