After months of diplomatic tensions, the Niger Republic has reached out to Nigeria for assistance as it battles a severe fuel crisis. A delegation of top military officials from Niger traveled to Abuja to negotiate with the Federal Government, resulting in Nigeria approving the delivery of 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the country.
The agreement comes amid reports of skyrocketing fuel prices in Niger, with petrol selling for as high as N8,750 per litre in some areas. Despite previous hostile rhetoric from Niger’s military leadership, Nigeria has agreed to provide fuel, reportedly as a “strategic bargaining tool” in ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
According to reports, the Nigerien government had previously relied on a Chinese-operated refinery for petroleum supplies. However, a financial dispute between the military junta and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) led to the collapse of the country’s petroleum sector.
In March 2024, China had extended a $400 million loan to Niger, using future crude oil deliveries as collateral. When the time came for repayment, the cash-strapped military rulers instead imposed a staggering $80 billion tax demand on Soraz, a Chinese-run refinery, leading to a complete breakdown in oil supply.
The Soraz refinery, which had been the lifeline of Niger’s fuel supply, ceased operations, creating a widespread fuel shortage. The black market supply from Nigeria, which had previously helped sustain Niger’s fuel needs, also dried up due to strained relations between the two nations.
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Strategy
A senior Nigerian government official stated that the fuel assistance is part of a broader diplomatic effort to bring Niger back into the ECOWAS fold. The official emphasized that Nigeria is using this gesture as leverage, considering Niger’s limited resources and reliance on imports for food and essential supplies.
“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 source said.
Niger Republic’s Accusations Against Nigeria
Despite accepting Nigeria’s assistance, Niger Republic’s Head of State, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, had previously accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize the country through terror groups. This accusation further strained relations between the two nations.
However, with the escalating fuel crisis, Niger had no choice but to seek Nigeria’s help, leading to the 300-truck fuel supply agreement.
Nigeria’s decision to provide fuel to Niger comes at a critical time for both nations. While it could pave the way for improved diplomatic ties, some Nigerians may question why their country is assisting a military regime that has been openly hostile.
For Niger, this move signifies its economic vulnerability and reliance on regional partnerships, particularly with Nigeria, its largest neighbor.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this fuel deal will mend broken diplomatic ties or merely serve as a temporary fix for Niger’s fuel crisis.
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