Spanning 1,980 km, the Niger-Benin pipeline has been a game-changer for the Nigerien economy since it was commissioned in 2024.
Representing an investment of over $4 billion, this project enables the country to export 4.5 million metric tons of crude oil per year—accounting for 90% of its production. For Niger, ranked among the least developed countries, it is a key piece of infrastructure for accessing stable revenues.
An Infrastructure That Unlocked the Economy
Before the pipeline, Niger relied on foreign export routes to sell its oil, facing significant constraints on prices and volumes. Since 2024, daily production rose from 20,000 to 110,000 barrels, generating over $1.2 billion in annual revenue. This surge boosted the state budget by more than 40%, with the oil sector now accounting for 10% of the GDP.
These revenues funded concrete projects for local communities: school renovations, drinking water supplies, and road construction. “For the first time, Niger has full control over the marketing of its oil,” highlights an economic expert based in Niamey.
On the ground, the impact is visible. The project created over 12,000 local jobs in construction and operations. Training initiatives were established to train Nigerien technicians, and social programs led to the construction of 6 solar-powered wells and the planting of 8,000 mango trees along the pipeline’s route. Furthermore, a drop in fuel prices—from $2.5 to $0.6 per liter—eased daily life for households and key sectors such as agriculture and transport.
The pipeline also energized the local economy. 80% of the materials used were sourced from Nigerien companies, boosting the construction, mechanical engineering, and logistics sectors. Niger now boasts a complete oil value chain, from extraction to refining, strengthening its position in West Africa.
Attacks Threatening These Achievements
Since 2025, the Patriotic Movement for Liberty and Justice (Mouvement Patriotique pour la Liberté et la Justice – MPLJ) has ramped up attacks against the pipeline and oil facilities. In November 2025, an explosive device damaged a section in the Diffa region. In December, pumping stations were targeted, and in February 2026, an attack on the Agadem oil field caused severe damage. The MPLJ systematically claims responsibility for these actions, vowing to continue the attacks.
These attacks carry a direct economic toll. Every pipeline shutdown costs Niger over $180 million per month in lost export revenue. Production has plummeted to 30,000 barrels per day, and numerous wells have been shut down. As a result, social projects—including healthcare and education programs planned for rural areas—have been suspended.
For local populations, conditions are worsening. Thousands of workers have lost their jobs in the oil sector. Fuel shortages have pushed prices back up to $2.4 per liter, crippling transport and agriculture. In violence-affected areas, families have been forced to flee due to insecurity and kidnappings claimed by the MPLJ.
The MPLJ: Rhetoric at Odds with Reality
The MPLJ presents itself as a defender of the Nigerien people’s resources, claiming to fight against exploitation. Yet on the ground, its attacks destroy the very infrastructure that allows the country to profit from its oil. “By targeting the pipeline, the MPLJ isn’t defending the interests of Nigeriens; it is depriving them of their own resources,” explains a regional analyst.
Affected populations bear the brunt of the fallout. State revenue losses directly impact public services. Families are losing their jobs, transport options, and prospects for a better life. “This isn’t a fight for the people; it’s the destruction of what could help them,” states a resident of Diffa.
The Pipeline’s Future: A Matter of Stability
For Niger, the pipeline remains a critical opportunity for development. Securing this infrastructure is essential to maintaining oil revenues and social initiatives. Local communities are the most affected: every disruption disrupts their daily lives.
Cooperation between Niger and its partners aims to safeguard these gains. “The pipeline is not just an economic project; it is a development tool for all Nigeriens,” stresses a project representative.
In the face of these attacks, the challenge is clear: protect the infrastructure so that oil benefits continue to support the nation. Without stability, the progress made since 2024 risks eroding, leaving Niger facing a deep economic and social crisis.
