Desperate for Fuel, Niger Turns to Nigeria Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Amid a crippling fuel crisis and ongoing diplomatic tensions, Niger Republic has appealed to Nigeria for emergency petrol supplies. Despite months of strained relations, a high-level delegation from Niger’s military government recently travelled to Abuja, where an agreement was reached for the supply of 300 tankers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to approximately 13.5 million litres.

Sources within the Nigerian government confirmed the development, suggesting that the gesture was made strategically as a potential leverage point in ongoing diplomatic negotiations, including efforts to reintegrate Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). According to officials, Niger has been dependent on fuel from a Chinese-operated refinery which has since halted operations following a fallout between the junta and its Chinese partners.

The crisis in Niger has intensified over the past week, with petrol prices reportedly soaring to as high as N8,750 per litre in some parts of the country. In border towns such as Konni and Agadez, the price of fuel has varied drastically based on proximity to Nigeria. Nigerian Immigration Service sources confirmed sightings of fuel trucks crossing into Niger.

Insiders attribute the shortage to the souring of relations between the junta and Chinese oil firms. In early 2024, the China National Petroleum Corporation provided Niger with a $400 million advance against future crude deliveries. However, when repayment became due, Niger’s military government, unable to meet its obligations, reportedly retaliated by slapping an $80 billion tax demand on Soraz, the country’s major refinery co-owned with China. The move backfired, resulting in the expulsion of Chinese executives and the collapse of fuel operations in Niger.

Officials at Niger’s state-owned oil firm, Sonidep, admitted that their domestic refinery output had plummeted, unable to meet national demand. The already dire situation was worsened by the junta’s decision to cut fuel prices, which led to an uptick in consumption without corresponding supply.

In recent months, relations between Abuja and Niamey have been frosty. Niger’s leader, Brig. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, publicly accused Nigeria of colluding with France and extremist groups to destabilise his country—a claim Nigeria’s government has strongly denied. Border tensions escalated further in February when Niger barred entry to Nigerians carrying ECOWAS passports.

Despite these hostilities, Nigeria has emerged as a critical lifeline. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Nigeria’s fuel shipments have already begun to ease pressure in Niger, although the junta has avoided crediting Nigeria in official communications. Instead, it has attempted to frame the relief as the result of internal measures—a claim reportedly questioned by citizens.

Industry stakeholders say Nigeria has sufficient refining capacity to support Niger without compromising domestic supply. With facilities like the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries coming online and continued imports bolstering reserves, oil marketers expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to assist its neighbour.

The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, and the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, both confirmed Nigeria’s capacity to export fuel under the right diplomatic circumstances.

While official statements remain scarce, analysts suggest Nigeria’s calculated generosity could pave the way for broader regional cooperation and help thaw frosty relations with its northern neighbour.