Benin has rendered its port off-limit to the exportation of oil by landlocked Niger in a growing row over the latter’s continuing closure of their common border, APA can report on Thursday.
Niger produces just over 20, 000 barrels of oil for domestic use per day and has advanced plans to increase daily production to over 100, 000 for export using its neighbours ports to reach international markets.
An oil pipeline built by China for Niger passes through Benin, but the border feud has temporarily put paid to plans to use this facility.
The military junta in Niamey which still distrusts its neighbours, has maintained the closure of the border despite the easing of regional sanctions introduced by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) shortly after a coup led by Abdourahmane Tchiani toppled civilian president Mohammed Bazoum last year.
The sanctions backed by Benin were meant to bring pressure to bear on the military junta to restore Mr Bazoum who with some members of his family have been under house arrest ever since.
Speaking about the effects of Niger’s ‘unfriendly posture’ on his country’s economy, the tough-talking Beninese President Patrice Talon declared that the Cotonou port will not be opened to Niger oil export unless the junta in Niamey end the border blockade.
“Benin is not an enemy country and if tomorrow the Nigerien authorities decide to collaborate with Benin in a formal manner, the boats will be loaded,” he added.
The authorities in Niamey are yet to respond to Benin’s posture.
Before Tchiani’s coup, both countries had enjoyed good trade relations.
Niger has since replaced Benin with Togo for its import and export activities since the border closure.
WN/as/APA