Niger: The nationalization of oil exploitation, towards the consolidation of the country’s sovereignty
Nigerien authorities have repeatedly expressed their desire to restore the country’s sovereignty and independence in all aspects, freeing it from the domination of foreign powers. Several decisions have already been made in this regard since they assumed leadership of Niger.
One example is the termination of military agreements with foreign powers, notably France and the United States, and the expulsion of their soldiers from Nigerien territory. The recent decision to withdraw the exploitation permit for the giant Imouraren uranium deposit in the north of the country from the French multinational ORANO (formerly AREVA) aligns with the transitional authorities’ vision.
Additionally, they have decided to entrust the exploration and exploitation of national oil resources to a national operator, specifically the Société Nationale du Pétrole (SONIDEP). The activities of this company in exploiting oil in the Bilma and Agadem blocks, located in the Agadez and Diffa regions in the northeast and east of Niger, were officially launched over the weekend by the head of the transitional government, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
For him, this marks a new stage in the country’s development process, reflecting Nigerien expertise in oil exploitation. It also demonstrates the determination of the country’s leaders to maintain a degree of sovereignty over their nation’s mineral resources. This will enable the Nigerien population to fully benefit from the outcomes of this oil activity.
