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Niger’s military government on Monday announced a series of agreements with Chinese companies to boost oil production and exports, following months of strained relations.
The junta, which took power after the July 2023 coup, has been pushing for greater control over the country’s natural resources, particularly oil and uranium, despite earlier disputes with Chinese operators over labour and regulatory issues.
Tensions escalated last year when Niger ordered several executives and workers linked to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its subsidiaries to leave the country over alleged violations.
At a signing ceremony in Niamey attended by officials from both countries, including Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, several new energy accords were concluded.
The accords include the revival of two oil projects, Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou, with an estimated investment of $1 billion.
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Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare said the projects are expected to increase production from about 110,000 barrels per day to 145,000 barrels per day by the end of 2029.
They “will raise our production from 110,000 to 145,000 barrels per day by the end of 2029,” he said, during the ceremony, broadcast on state television.
Sangare also noted that oil transport costs for export through the pipeline have been reduced from $27 to $15 per barrel, describing it as a major saving for the country.
He added that Niger has acquired a 45 percent stake in the West African Oil Pipeline Company, a CNPC subsidiary that operates a major crude pipeline to neighbouring Benin.
According to him, the agreements are also expected to create around 450 jobs for Nigeriens by 2030, expand local subcontracting opportunities, and reduce wage disparities between expatriate and local staff.
Officials said negotiations leading to the deal began in June 2025 in China, while Chinese firms have operated in Niger’s oil sector since 2011.
