The Niger Accuses Nigeria of Sabotaging Its Pipeline – YouTube
The tension is rising between Nigeria, the continent’s leading power, and its neighbor, Niger.

Nigeria has firmly responded to these accusations, and in this episode of Business Journal, we explore the claims. Is Nigeria indeed trying to destabilize Niger as the latter accuses? Let’s discuss.
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At the beginning of this year, Niger inaugurated Africa’s largest pipeline, an infrastructure spanning 2,000 km, with 1,250 km in Niger and the rest in Benin. The pipeline integrates nine reservoirs, six in Niger and three in Benin, to ensure the continuous transport of crude oil from Niger to Benin.
The project has had a significant economic impact, costing $4.5 billion and creating approximately 3,000 direct and indirect jobs between the two countries. This oil pipeline is critical for Niger, as the revenue it generates could help the country overcome the decline in uranium exports. Previously, uranium was Niger’s main source of income, but the loss of this resource meant the country needed to find new revenue streams, with oil now playing a pivotal role.
Before this discovery, Niger’s daily oil production was 20,000 barrels, but it has now increased to 110,000 barrels per day, with 90,000 for export. By 2026, Niger expects to produce 200,000 barrels per day, making it one of Africa’s largest oil producers. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts a dramatic 12.8% GDP growth due to this oil production. Moreover, oil exports could generate 50% of the country’s fiscal revenue.
To fund the pipeline, Niger has taken on significant debt with China, which has financed the construction and now operates the pipeline. In early 2024, Niger borrowed an additional $400 million from China, to be repaid within a year at 7% interest. The government intends to repay this loan with pipeline revenue.
For Niger, the smooth operation of this pipeline is vital for its economic survival. The country has deployed 700 soldiers along the pipeline to ensure its protection from potential terrorist attacks. The pipeline has become a strategic asset, with significant diplomatic efforts to ensure its continuous operation, despite ongoing threats.
Unfortunately, the pipeline faces continuous sabotage attempts, such as the June 12 attack, where six Nigerien soldiers were killed while securing the pipeline. On June 16-17, a rebel group, the Patriotic Front for Liberation (FPL), claimed responsibility for an attack that disabled a section of the pipeline. The FPL’s goal was to disrupt the pipeline as a form of protest against the government, which they hope will lead to the return of former President Mohamed Bazoum, ousted in a coup.
Nigeria has denied any involvement in supporting these attacks. The Nigerian government insists that it is fully committed to the fight against terrorism and does not support such activities. This response underscores the ongoing tensions between Niger and its neighbors, particularly Nigeria and Benin, who have supported the financial sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on Niger following the coup.
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The question remains: What is the current state of the pipeline after these attacks? Has it been significantly damaged, and is oil still flowing to the terminal in Benin? The outcome of these developments is crucial for Niger’s economy, especially as it strives to recover from its political and financial turmoil.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe Nigeria is behind these terrorist attacks? Let us know your views in the comments. This pipeline is vital for Niger’s economic future, and its security remains a top priority.
