Border Dispute: Benin Halts Niger Oil Exports

Benin has blocked Niger from using its port to export crude oil, intensifying a border dispute between the two neighbouring countries.

President Patrice Talon’s administration insists that landlocked Niger must reopen its side of the border if it wishes to utilize Benin’s ports.

Accusing Niger of treating Benin like an adversary, President Talon emphasized the need for collaboration and denounced illicit activities across Benin’s territory.

The rift between the two nations deepened after a military coup in Niger last year. In response, Benin, along with other West African countries, imposed sanctions, including border closures, to pressure the military to restore civilian rule.

Although these sanctions were eased in February, Niger’s refusal to reopen its land border with Benin has stalled efforts to normalize trade relations.

President Talon’s recent statement underscores the importance of formal cooperation between the two countries for the resumption of oil exports through Benin’s waters.

Niger’s junta has yet to respond to Benin’s stance, but the move jeopardizes Niger’s plans to export oil, with production projected to significantly increase following the completion of a Chinese-built pipeline through Benin.

The ongoing dispute not only undermines economic prospects but also strains relations between former trading partners. Herve Akinocho, Director of the Centre for Research and Opinion Polls in Benin, estimates daily losses of around $7 million in oil transit fees.

Moreover, Benin’s economy is further impacted by Niger’s decision to redirect trade through Togo, affecting various sectors, including transportation.