Algerian Radio
As part of its working mission to Niger, the Naftal delegation was received by the Nigerien Minister of Trade and Industry, Abdoulaye Seydou, where prospects for investment, partnership, and strengthening cooperation with the Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) were discussed, according to a statement issued this Saturday by the public company.
During the meeting, which took place on Thursday at the ministry's headquarters in the capital, Niamey, Mr. Seydou expressed great confidence in Naftal's technical and industrial capabilities, emphasizing that its expertise qualifies it to contribute to meeting the needs of the Nigerien market and supporting efforts to develop the hydrocarbon sector, the statement added.
He also reiterated the Nigerien authorities' support for the existing cooperation between Naftal and SONIDEP, confirming their backing for the joint projects planned to be implemented within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the two institutions and the cooperation memorandum signed by the highest authorities of both countries.
The company explained in its statement that this meeting reflects "the distinguished level reached by cooperation relations between Algeria and Niger, and confirms the shared political will of both parties to implement promising investment projects that enhance economic integration and support South-South cooperation."
In a related context, the Naftal delegation continues its mission in Niger by holding meetings with sectoral bodies concerned with energy and investment. The second day of the visit included a working session yesterday, Friday, with officials from SONIDEP, dedicated to presenting and discussing the business plan for the project to establish a bitumen production unit.
This meeting provided an opportunity to review the various technical and economic aspects of the project, as well as discuss the prospects for its realization within the framework of a strategic partnership that would contribute to meeting the needs of the Nigerien market and strengthening local capabilities in this field.
The delegation also held a series of meetings with several bodies and institutions involved in investment and infrastructure, during which they reviewed the business climate and investment opportunities available in Niger, alongside the regulatory and legal frameworks governing economic projects.
These meetings allowed the delegation to familiarize themselves with the various facilities and procedures related to implementing investment projects, as well as discuss the needs of the Nigerien market and the prospects for developing infrastructure linked to the energy and petroleum products sector.
The program also included field visits to several service stations in the city of Niamey, where the delegation observed operating conditions and the level of services provided to consumers. Additionally, they visited liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder filling centers and the SONIDEP fuel storage and distribution center, with the aim of assessing available capabilities and identifying development and expansion needs across the various links of the supply and distribution chain.
Furthermore, the delegation traveled to the site proposed to host the bitumen production unit project, where briefings were provided regarding the site's technical characteristics and logistical advantages. This will allow for the realization of this strategic project under optimal conditions and enhance local capabilities in the field of bitumen production and distribution.
According to the same source, these meetings and field visits provided the Naftal delegation with an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Niger's economic and regulatory environment, as well as its energy infrastructure. They also explored potential cooperation and partnership opportunities with the various bodies and institutions involved, thereby supporting the company's approach toward expanding its regional presence and leveraging its expertise across its various fields of activity.
