In a dramatic turn of events, Niger Republic has sought help from Nigeria to ease a crippling fuel shortage, despite months of diplomatic tensions and hostile rhetoric between the two nations.
A high-level delegation of military officials from Niger traveled to Abuja last week to meet with representatives of the Nigerian government. Following intense negotiations, Nigeria approved the delivery of 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to its northern neighbor.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the agreement, stating that Nigeria viewed the fuel supply as a “strategic bargaining tool” in ongoing efforts to mend relations and reintegrate Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Niger, which had been reliant on fuel from a Chinese-operated refinery, found itself in crisis after disputes with its supplier led to a shutdown. As a result, fuel prices in the landlocked nation skyrocketed. Reports indicate that in some parts of the country, a liter of petrol was selling for as high as ₦8,000 (approximately $5.30), while border towns near Nigeria offered slightly lower prices.
A Nigerian businessman operating in the transborder fuel trade, Mallam Abubakar Usman, described the dire situation. He explained that in Konni, a border town with Nigeria, fuel was selling for 1,200 CFA, which is about ₦2,500 per liter. In Agadez, the price soared to 3,000 CFA, equivalent to ₦7,500 per liter. In Arlit, near the Algerian border, fuel reached an astonishing 3,500 CFA, or about ₦8,750 per liter. According to Usman, the worsening relations between Nigeria and Niger contributed to the fuel shortage, making black-market imports difficult.
Security analysts say Niger’s fuel crisis is largely self-inflicted, tracing back to a financial dispute between the ruling military junta and Chinese oil companies.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, trouble began in March 2024, when the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) provided Niger’s government with a $400 million advance using future crude oil deliveries as collateral.
However, when the time came to repay the loan, the junta, struggling under ECOWAS-imposed economic sanctions, was unable to meet its financial obligations. Instead of negotiating, the military government slapped an $80 billion tax demand on Soraz, a Chinese-operated refinery, despite the state-owned Nigerien oil company Sonidep already owing Soraz $250 billion.
China refused to provide additional loans, prompting the junta to expel Chinese oil executives and freeze Soraz’s bank accounts. The move backfired spectacularly, leading to the collapse of Niger’s petroleum sector and the shutdown of the Soraz refinery in Zinder, the country’s primary fuel source.
Confirming the impact of the crisis, Maazou Aboubacar, the Commercial Director of Sonidep, told AFP that Niger’s refinery was failing to meet domestic demand. He said the situation worsened due to the drying up of black-market fuel supplies from Nigeria.
Despite diplomatic hostilities—including accusations from Niger’s Head of State, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilise his country—Nigeria has stepped in to prevent a total fuel collapse in Niger.
A government insider emphasized that the fuel supply deal is not just an act of goodwill but a calculated move. He explained that Nigeria did not want to publicize the aid but instead use it as leverage to continue engaging Niger and hopefully bring the country back into ECOWAS. He noted that Niger lacks the resources to import enough food to sustain its citizens and will eventually need stronger ties with Nigeria.
An official from the Nigerian Immigration Service also confirmed that trucks carrying petrol had been seen passing through border checkpoints. However, sources within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery declined to comment on the matter, citing diplomatic concerns. The Presidency also remained silent, fueling speculation about the strategic motives behind the fuel deal.
Despite receiving much-needed fuel shipments, Niger’s military rulers have avoided publicly acknowledging Nigeria’s assistance. Makama, the security analyst, revealed that Niger’s state-controlled media has deliberately omitted Nigeria’s role in alleviating the crisis, instead crediting domestic policy measures. He said that while fuel shipments from Nigeria have already started easing the situation, the junta remains too proud to admit its dependency. He added that many Nigeriens are beginning to question the official government narrative.
Meanwhile, Nigerian oil marketers say the country has more than enough fuel to support Niger without facing domestic shortages. The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Hammed Fashola, assured that the Dangote refinery, the Port Harcourt refinery, and other local facilities could sustain exports to Niger.
Conclusion
Despite strained diplomatic relations, Nigeria’s intervention in Niger’s fuel crisis underscores the complex interdependence between the two West African nations. While the junta in Niamey remains reluctant to publicly acknowledge its reliance on Nigeria, this latest development may serve as a crucial step in rekindling diplomatic ties and securing regional stability.
