Despite months of tense diplomatic relations, the Niger Republic has turned to Nigeria for assistance in addressing a severe fuel crisis in the region. A delegation from Niger’s military junta recently traveled to Abuja to meet with Nigerian officials, resulting in Nigeria’s approval to deliver 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to its neighbor. According to a senior Nigerian government official, this decision is seen as a “strategic bargaining tool” to encourage Niger’s return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), from which it has been estranged since the July 2023.
The petrol crisis in the region has driven petrol prices to as high as ₦8,000 per liter in some areas, severely impacting daily life and economic activities. The situation worsened following a fallout between Niger’s ruling junta and Chinese oil companies, which have long dominated the country’s Petroleum sector. This dispute has disrupted petrol supplies, leaving citizens struggling to access petrol and forcing the government to seek external help. Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, Nigeria, often regarded as the regional leader, stepped in to provide relief by approving the immediate delivery of 300 fuel trucks to Niamey.
Background and root causes of the petrol crisis in the region.
In March 2024, the trouble began when the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) granted the region’s government a $400 million advance, using future crude oil deliveries as collateral. This deal was intended to help the country cope with ECOWAS-imposed economic sanctions following the 2023 coup. However, when repayment became due, the junta faced financial difficulties and imposed an $80 billion Tax demand on Soraz, the Zinder Refinery Company, despite Niger’s state-owned oil firm, Sonidep, already owing Soraz $250 billion.
When China refused further financial support, the region expelled Chinese executives and seized refinery bank accounts. The fallout led to the shutdown of the SORAZ refinery, their primary fuel supply source, causing widespread petrol shortages. The crisis also jeopardised the Niger-Benin Oil Pipeline project, which aimed to boost the nation’s crude oil exports to 100,000 barrels per day by 2025. With Chinese engineers gone and no viable alternatives, the junta’s decisions plunged the country into economic uncertainty.
Federal government responded with 300 fuel trucks.
Meanwhile, the petrol shortage has had a ripple effect on transportation, agriculture, and other sectors, further exacerbating the nation’s economic challenges. In a quiet diplomatic move, they sent a delegation to Abuja to request emergency oil supplies. The irony was not lost on observers, as the same junta had previously defied ECOWAS sanctions, severed ties with France and the West, and aligned itself with Russia. Yet, when faced with economic collapse, they turned to Nigeria for help.
Even with recent strained relations, the federal government approved the release of 300 fuel trucks, which immediately began crossing into the country to alleviate the crisis. However, their government has been reluctant to acknowledge the assistance. While oil shipments from Nigeria have started to ease the crisis, their state media has also avoided reporting the fuel source. Instead, the government has attempted to portray the improved availability of oil due to its internal measures. “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 Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and Security analyst in the Lake Chad region.
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However, the African giant’s decision to provide fuel aid underscores its role as a regional stabiliser, even in the face of diplomatic challenges. The move highlights the complex dynamics of West African politics, where economic and humanitarian considerations often intersect with strategic interests. For now, the region has been forced to acknowledge a hard truth—it remains economically tethered to Nigeria, whether its leadership chooses to admit it or not. Despite political disagreements, when faced with a crisis, the neighbouring country once again steps in to provide relief.