January 2020, Vol. 247, No. 1
Projects
Niger Looks to Step Up Oil Production with Pipeline to Coast
Niger began construction on a $7 billion oil pipeline that will reach the coast through West African neighbor Benin. The 1,232-mile (1,982-km) pipeline is Niger’s most important project since gaining independence.
Construction is already underway at a site in Koulélé, located about 55 miles (90 km) from Agadem in the Diffa region.
China National Petroleum Corp., which has operated in Niger since 2011, will build the pipeline, along with the West African Oil Pipeline Company. Nearly two-thirds, just under 808 miles (1,300 km), will run within Niger, the remainder in Benin.
The first phase of construction requires an investment of $4 billion between 2019 and 2021, according to AP. The total through completion is expected to be $7 billion, the government said.
Oil accounts for 4% of GDP in Niger. By 2022, it’s expected to represent 24%, according to the government.
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