Benin: President Patrice Talon conditions transit of nigerien oil on the opening of land borders
Facing the international press, Beninese President Patrice Talon expressed his willingness to collaborate with the military authorities in power in Niamey, in the interest of the Nigerien and Beninese peoples. This occasion also allowed him to unveil the condition under which Nigerien oil could transit through Benin.
« In regards to the meeting of the interstate committee, Benin, through its minister, Minister ADAMBI, reiterated the readiness of the Beninese administration, particularly customs, to collaborate with Nigerien customs for the normal and regular loading of Nigerien oil at the Sèmè terminal, provided that transit customs formalities are possible », he stated.
According to him, transit customs formalities are only possible if the passage of goods through the borders is permitted.
« In other words, if the borders are not open for the formal passage of oil, the customs formalities allowing its transit through Benin’s territory are technically not possible », explained Patrice Talon.
He added, « At the very least, for this transit to be possible, the Nigerien authorities must officially announce that the closure of their land borders makes an exception for oil ».
« At the time I am speaking to you, I have not received any clarification or information from our Nigerien brothers going in the direction expected by all. Moreover, President Tiani has not received Minister Adambi, whom I expressly charged to deliver my letter of appeasement and invitation for the restoration of fraternity and free movement of people and goods between Niger and Benin » ,stated Talon, who believes he has done everything possible to restore harmony between Niger and Benin.
