Niger begins oil & gas exploration in southeast of country

Prime Minister of Niger Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine has said that Niger National Oil Company (SONIDEP) has started the first geological exploration works in the desert in the southeast of the country.

"Our hydrocarbon company SONIDEP officially begins preparations for oil production as a national operator," he said during a ceremony in Haidara, in the Diffa region, TASS reports.

Since its establishment in 1977, SONIDEP's activities have been mainly limited to the marketing of petroleum products. "Today, it is embarking on exploration and exploitation of crude oil and gas," the minister said.

According to the Customs boss, Ali Seibou Hassane, Niger has decided to produce oil on its own to ensure economic sovereignty and maximise profits.