Sonatrach to Support Niger’s Bilma Oil Block for Two Decades
State Minister, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, recently hosted Ali Seybou Hassani, Director General of the Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP), and a high-level delegation. The discussions, which included representatives from Sonatrach, focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Algeria and Niger in the hydrocarbon sector, emphasizing joint structural projects and opportunities to enhance cooperation through expertise exchange and knowledge transfer.
A core aspect of the dialogue involved the development of the Bilma oil block, located in Niger's Diffa region extending to Agadez. Sonatrach will undertake the technical review and revision of the feasibility study for this block, preparing a comprehensive development plan. The field is projected to yield over 20,000 barrels per day over an estimated 20-year exploitation period, with Sonatrach committed to accompanying SONIDEP through the plan's preparation and implementation, leveraging its extensive experience. Discussions also covered the progress of work at the Kafra oil block, where Sonatrach is a partner, with both sides affirming the importance of continued coordination to advance activities.
Further cooperation initiatives included the Zinder refining projects, seen as crucial for bolstering Niger's refining capabilities and ensuring its supply of petroleum products. An agreement was reached to organize a training session in Algeria for a Nigerien delegation, focusing on refinery facility maintenance to enhance the technical and operational skills of Nigerien teams. Additionally, talks addressed collaboration between Algeria's Naftal and SONIDEP, including a project to establish a bitumen supply center in the Zinder region and exploring options for supplying Niger with aviation fuel and other fuel types. Both parties concluded the meeting by agreeing to intensify technical exchanges and working meetings to define future executive steps and broaden their bilateral partnership.
