Benin announces temporarily allowing Niger to export oil through its port
Beninese Energy Minister Samou Seydou Adambi said his country has specifically and temporarily allowed the first ship to load Nigerien crude oil via the Simi platform, at the express request of Niger’s customs to participate in loading operations.
“This isn’t yet the green light to start normal operating activities,” the Nigerien minister said in a press statement, stressing that the normal operation of the pipeline must take place within a normal framework of state-to-state relations.
The Beninese minister highlighted that the Chinese mediator in the crisis of the two countries requested the convening of a meeting of the joint committee between Cotonou and Niamey, in order to resolve difficulties and misunderstandings.
The Chinese delegation is due to arrive in Niamey on Friday to try to get the approval of the Nigerien authorities on the good offices route.
