Fuel Crisis: How Nigeria Became Niger’s Lifeline In Time Of Scarcity

Niger Republic is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, forcing its military-led government to turn to Nigeria for emergency supplies. Despite months of diplomatic tensions between the two countries, Nigeria has approved the delivery of 300 trucks of petrol to its northern neighbour. This move comes as fuel prices in Niger skyrocket, reaching as high as N8,000 per litre in some areas.

A senior Nigerian government official confirmed that the decision to supply fuel to Niger was made with strategic intent. According to the source, Nigeria hopes to use the fuel supply as a bargaining tool in negotiations to reintegrate Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Why Niger Turned to Nigeria

Niger’s fuel crisis began after a dispute between its ruling junta and Chinese oil companies. The country had relied on fuel from a Chinese-run refinery, but following a financial disagreement, the government expelled Chinese oil executives and froze the refinery’s accounts. As a result, fuel production came to a halt, triggering severe shortages.

With limited options, Niger turned to Nigeria, which has a surplus of refined petroleum products. The Nigerian government approved the request, quietly facilitating fuel deliveries without making official announcements.

Escalating Fuel Prices in Niger

As the fuel crisis deepened, prices soared across Niger. In Konni, a border town between Nigeria and Niger, a litre of petrol sold for about N2,500. Further inland in Agadez, prices reached N7,500 per litre, while in Arilit, near the Algerian border, prices exceeded N8,750 per litre.

Mallam Abubakar Usman, a Nigerian businessman engaged in transborder trade, explained that the price differences depended on location and availability. He noted that Niger’s reliance on imported fuel made it vulnerable to supply disruptions.

How Fuel Shortages Affected Niger

The fuel shortage has significantly impacted daily life in Niger. Transport costs have surged, leading to increased prices of essential goods. Black market fuel sales have become widespread, with many Nigeriens struggling to afford basic commodities.

Maazou Aboubacar, Commercial Director of Niger’s state-owned oil company, Sonidep, confirmed that local refineries could not meet national demand. He admitted that the fuel black market, largely supplied by Nigerian imports, had previously helped cushion supply shortages. However, the crackdown on smuggling, coupled with the refinery shutdown, worsened the crisis.

Nigeria’s Silent Role in Easing the Fuel Crisis

Despite political tensions, Nigeria has supplied approximately 13.5 million litres of petrol to Niger, ensuring temporary relief. However, the Nigerien government has refrained from acknowledging Nigeria’s role. Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed that Niger’s state media has deliberately avoided mentioning that fuel shipments are coming from Nigeria. Instead, the junta has attempted to portray the increased fuel availability as a result of internal measures.

Makama noted that fuel trucks were seen crossing the Nigerian border into Niger, but the junta has remained silent on the matter. He suggested that the military rulers may be reluctant to publicly recognise their reliance on Nigeria.

Can Nigeria Sustain Fuel Exports to Niger?

Nigerian oil marketers have assured that the country has enough fuel to assist Niger without affecting its domestic supply. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) confirmed that Nigeria’s refining capacity, supported by the Dangote Refinery and other local facilities, is sufficient to meet both domestic and export demands.

IPMAN Vice President Hammed Fashola said, “With the refineries we have in the country, we have enough to supply Niger Republic.”

Similarly, Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, stated that the decision to assist Niger was a strategic one. “If we have a diplomatic reason for that, it is doable,” he said.

The Bigger Picture: Fuel Crisis and Diplomatic Strategy

Nigeria’s decision to supply fuel to Niger is not just an act of goodwill—it is a calculated diplomatic move. By assisting Niger in its fuel crisis, Nigeria hopes to maintain influence over its neighbour and encourage it to rejoin ECOWAS.

While fuel deliveries have provided temporary relief, the crisis in Niger remains unresolved. Until the political standoff between the junta and China is addressed, fuel shortages could persist. Whether Niger will acknowledge Nigeria’s role in easing the crisis remains to be seen. For now, Nigeria continues to play the role of a good neighbour, even as political tensions linger.