Niger is poised to begin exporting crude oil for the first time, with the initial shipment expected as soon as late April.

The news comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted sanctions on the junta-led nation in February, allowing the construction of a key export pipeline to be finalized.

Military leader Abdourahamane Tiani had previously announced a planned January launch, but delays arose due to sanctions impeding equipment deliveries.

Sources familiar with the project, cited by S&P Global Commodity Insights, indicate crude oil is now flowing through the 2,000-kilometer pipeline built by China National Petroleum Corporation.

Niger, a landlocked nation, currently produces around 20,000 barrels of crude per day (bpd) from its Agadem Rift Basin. 

The oil is primarily used domestically due to a lack of export infrastructure. The new pipeline, connecting the Koulele oilfields to Benin's port of Seme, is expected to increase production to 110,000 bpd.

Operations are anticipated to begin at 90,000 bpd before ramping up to full capacity. Storage tanks in Benin are being filled in preparation for the inaugural export, expected in late April or early May.