Niger – Turkey: A new era of energy cooperation between the two Countries
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, a significant milestone was reached in the bilateral relations between Niger and Turkey with the signing of a declaration of intent for collaboration in the fields of oil and natural gas.
This agreement was signed by Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Mr. Barké Bako Mahaman Moustapha, and Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, highlighting the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their energy cooperation. This symbolic agreement holds promises for Niger’s economic and social development.
The collaboration between Niger and Turkey in the strategic sectors of oil and natural gas opens considerable economic development prospects for Niger. This partnership could facilitate the exploration and exploitation of the country’s oil and gas resources, thereby attracting foreign investments and generating substantial revenue for the Nigerien state. Turkey’s technological input and expertise in the energy sector can also enhance Niger’s production and exploitation capacities, enabling better management of its natural resources.
One of the major advantages of this partnership is the creation of local jobs. Oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects require skilled labor at various levels, from engineers and technicians to field workers. Cooperation with Turkey could also include training programs and skill transfers, thereby strengthening the technical and professional capacities of Nigeriens in the energy sector.
Beyond economic benefits, this energy cooperation strengthens diplomatic ties between Niger and Turkey. Strong bilateral relations are essential for regional stability and can pave the way for other forms of cooperation in various fields such as education, health, and security.
The signing of the declaration of intent between Niger and Turkey for cooperation in the oil and natural gas sectors is a promising step towards Niger’s economic and social development. This partnership offers significant opportunities for infrastructure improvement, job creation, local skill enhancement, and energy security.
