Niger implements GPS tracking and time limits for fuel truck deliveries

The Nigerien government announced new regulations to tighten the logistics chain for hydrocarbons in Niger.

The Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Transport met with the Federation of Hydrocarbon and Gas Transporters of Niger to introduce these measures. Colonel-major Abdourahamane Amadou, the Minister of Transport, now requires every fuel truck to undergo a full technical inspection at a state-approved center. This move aims to remove faulty vehicles from the roads and lower the risks associated with transporting flammable products.

The minister also asked transport professionals to gradually update their fleet of vehicles. Additionally, drivers must now pass mandatory medical examinations to ensure they are physically fit to transport sensitive cargo. To improve traceability, authorities plan to equip all fuel trucks with GPS trackers. These devices will allow the state to monitor vehicles from their loading points to their final destinations to prevent theft, delays, and loss of visibility.

The director general of Sonidep, Mme Oumar, introduced a new 36-hour maximum delivery limit for the trip between Soraz and the Sorey depot in Niamey. This follows complaints that some trucks previously took up to five days to travel from Zinder to Niamey. Minister of Petroleum Hamadou Tini called for closer cooperation between the state, Sonidep, and transporters to improve communication and logistics.

These changes come as the country increases its fuel supply, including a recent delivery of 1.65 million litres of fuel from Algeria to Agadez.