NIAMEY, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Nigerien Minister of Justice and Human Rights Alio Daouda on Monday presided over the establishment of a committee of Nigerien experts tasked with reviewing the mechanisms for valuing the price of Niger's natural uranium.
Through this initiative, Niger aims to "rigorously re-examine, on a scientific and legally sound basis, the mechanisms for valuing its natural resources, in line with the principles of equity, transparency and economic justice, and to strengthen its control over the country's natural resources," Daouda said.
The minister recalled that Niger's uranium has, for several decades, been a strategic pillar of the national economy and a central element of major international partnerships.
"However, developments in international law, energy sciences and global markets now require a critical reassessment of historical pricing methods to ensure that they truly reflect the real value of the resource being exploited," he said, adding that "this government initiative forms part of a legitimate effort to seek economic truth and contractual justice, grounded in law, science and reason."
"Niger now intends to defend its interests with arguments that are technically sound, legally substantiated and internationally credible, commensurate with the strategic stakes represented by the exploitation of its natural resources," he stressed.
The move comes amid reports that France has opened an investigation into Niger following accusations of uranium theft leveled by the French group Orano, according to recent statements by the company carried by several international media outlets.
Meanwhile, Niger has already nationalized the SOMAIR, located in the Arlit department of the Agadez region in northern Niger. Created on Feb. 2, 1968, SOMAIR has been exploiting uranium in the region since 1971. The nationalization was intended to "secure a strategic sector, ensure continuity of operations, preserve jobs and protect the public interest," the minister said in December in a right of reply to Orano.
"Nevertheless, Niger remains open to a respectful and credible partnership, in the supreme interest of the population," Daouda concluded. ■