The government of Niger has announced the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for oil partnerships with Chinese partners, including CNPC, marking what Nigerien authorities describe as a “resumption and intensification” of relations between the two countries in the hydrocarbons sector (Niger Press Agency press release, 18/05/2026).
The agreements include USD1bn in investments in the revival of the Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou oil projects, which is expected to increase national oil production from 110 to 145 kb/d by 2029. In addition, a feasibility study on the country’s gas potential, estimated at 23 bcm, will also be conducted within six months, in order to explore opportunities for electricity generation, fertilizer production, and domestic gas supply.
Among the key announcements is a reduction in the export pipeline transportation tariff, lowered from USD27 to USD15 per barrel, enabling the Nigerien state to achieve estimated savings of more than USD106m over a year. The government also stated that a principle agreement has been reached for a 45% state participation in the company WAPCO (West African Gas Pipeline Company).
The parties have further agreed on the repatriation of crude oil export revenues to Niger. Regarding local content, the agreements provide for a significant increase in the localization of employment within oil companies and their subcontractors, with several hundred additional jobs expected for Nigerien nationals by 2030.