Niger is taking decisive action to assert greater national control over its oil sector, accusing the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) of failing to uphold local content reforms.
The government is introducing a series of measures to ensure compliance with national regulations and increase local participation in the industry.
During a Council of Ministers meeting on March 18, Nigerien authorities criticized CNPC for allegedly misinterpreting contractual agreements and lacking a genuine commitment to local content laws.
In response, the government plans to implement several key reforms, including equalizing salaries between expatriate and Nigerien employees, prioritizing Nigerien professionals for leadership roles, and mandating local subcontracting for oil operations.
Additionally, Niger is pushing for a revision of agreements related to crude oil transport and the Niger-Benin pipeline to ensure fair financial commitments.
The government is also calling for amendments to the West African Petroleum Operations (WAPO) statutes, aiming to create capital investment opportunities for Nigerien stakeholders.
These actions align with Ordinance No. 2024-34, which prioritizes the employment of Nigerien workers, promotes local goods and services, and encourages technology transfer to boost national economic benefits.