A meeting between Benin and Niger officials last week failed to resolve a border dispute that is hindering a planned oil pipeline project, according to statements from both countries. 

As reported by Africanews on Monday, June 3, 2024, the pipeline, intended to transport oil from Niger's Agadem Rift Basin to Benin's port of Seme, has been delayed due to ongoing tensions between the neighboring nations. 

Niger cited security concerns for its recent border closure, while Benin claims the closure is hindering project progress and has called for its reopening.

Benin's Minister of Mines, Samou Seidou Adambi, reportedly met with his counterpart in Niamey to discuss the issue with the ruling junta but was unable to deliver a message directly to Niger's transitional president, Abdourahmane Tchiani. 

However, Niger's Prime Minister Lamine Ali Zeine explained Tchiani was attending another meeting at the time and did receive the message through another member of the ruling junta.

Adding to the friction, Benin recently authorized the loading of Nigerian oil at the Seme platform, a move Niger reportedly criticized. Benin maintains that regular pipeline operations require a normalized relationship between the two countries.

The stalling of the project comes despite both nations partnering with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on the initiative. 

Niger currently produces around 20,000 barrels of oil per day, with the pipeline expected to significantly increase that output upon completion.