Niamey: In 2024, Niger achieved a significant milestone in crude oil production, with a total output measured at 20,353,827 barrels. This data was disclosed by the Ministry of Oil and published by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI-Niger).

According to Burkina Information Agency, the country’s oil revenues for the year exceeded 200 billion CFA francs, a substantial increase from 64.1 billion CFA francs in 2020. This development was announced by the Minister of Oil, Mr. Sahabi Oumarou, in an interview on February 24, 2025, with National Television. The minister emphasized the role of oil as a resilience factor for Niger, especially after the events of July 26, 2025, and its importance in fostering regional integration.

To secure its position in oil exploitation, the Nigerien government has undertaken various initiatives. Key actions include the development of the Bilma blocks and the R5, R6, and R7 blocks by the Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) as the National Operator. Additionally, efforts have been made to transfer skills to local workers at the Zinder Refining Company (SORAZ) and to strengthen cooperative efforts in the sector.

Niger’s journey as an oil-producing nation began in 2011 with the exploitation of the Agadem block by the Chinese company CNPC, initially producing 20,000 barrels per day. With the commencement of phase 2 of the Agadem project in November 2023, production surged to 110,000 barrels per day, with 90,000 barrels per day designated for export via the Niger-Benin Export Pipeline. This nearly 2,000 km pipeline is a result of collaboration between Niger, Benin, and the Chinese company WAPCO.