Niger Republic has turned to Nigeria for urgent fuel supply following a severe petrol shortage, despite recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Sunday PUNCH has learned that senior officials from Niger’s ruling military junta traveled to Abuja for discussions with the Nigerian government. The outcome of the meeting reportedly resulted in the approval of 300 truckloads of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for Niger.
A top government official, familiar with the negotiations, stated that Nigeria sees this move as a “strategic bargaining tool” in ongoing talks with Niger.
Why Niger Turned to Nigeria for Fuel
According to sources, Niger had been dependent on fuel supplies from a Chinese-operated refinery. However, disruptions in supply forced the refinery to shut down, plunging the country into a critical fuel crisis.
“We do not want to blow our trumpet. Rather, we want to use it as a bargaining chip for negotiation, as we continue to engage with them to bring them back to ECOWAS,” the official said.
Officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) indicated that the deal might have been brokered by the Presidency, as NNPCL now operates as a limited liability company. Meanwhile, a source at Dangote Petroleum Refinery declined to comment due to diplomatic sensitivities.
Niger’s Fuel Crisis Worsens
Reports indicate that fuel prices in Niger have skyrocketed, with a litre selling for as high as N8,000 in some areas. In border towns like Konni, fuel is priced at 1,200 CFA (N2,500), while in Agadez, it reaches 3,000 CFA (N7,500). Further north in Arilit, the price rises to 3,500 CFA (N8,750).
A Nigerian transborder trader, Mallam Abubakar Usman, confirmed the dire situation, attributing it to strained relations between the two nations.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian Immigration Service official, speaking anonymously, confirmed sightings of petrol trucks crossing into Niger.
Niger-China Oil Dispute Sparks Fuel Shortage
The fuel crisis in Niger is believed to be self-inflicted due to a fallout between the military junta and Chinese oil companies.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the dispute began in March 2024 when China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) granted Niger a $400 million advance, backed by future crude oil supplies. However, when the junta was unable to repay the debt, they allegedly retaliated by imposing an $80 billion tax on Soraz (Zinder Refinery Company) and freezing its bank accounts.
This move backfired, leading to the collapse of Niger’s petroleum sector, which heavily relies on Chinese investment. Consequently, fuel shortages spread across the country.
Nigeria Steps in Despite Diplomatic Rifts
Despite strained relations, Nigeria stepped in to assist Niger with fuel. However, the Nigerien government has not publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s support.
“While fuel shipments from Nigeria have already started alleviating the crisis, Niger’s state media has deliberately avoided reporting where the fuel is coming from,” said Makama.
Nigeria Supplies 13.5 Million Litres of Petrol
Oil marketers confirmed that Nigeria’s 300-truck supply equates to approximately 13.5 million litres of petrol.
Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), stated that Nigeria has enough fuel to support Niger without impacting its own supply, given the operational capacities of Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt Refinery, and other local producers.
Similarly, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, affirmed that Nigeria has sufficient PMS reserves to assist its neighbour.
“If we have a diplomatic reason for that, it is doable,” he noted.
Conclusion
As Niger struggles with a deepening fuel crisis, Nigeria’s intervention underscores its role as a stabilizing force in the region. While tensions persist between the two nations, the fuel supply deal could pave the way for improved relations and potential reintegration of Niger into ECOWAS.