Niger Republic has sought assistance from Nigeria to address a fuel shortage, despite months of diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
According to Sunday PUNCH, a delegation of senior officials from Niger’s military junta traveled to Abuja for discussions with Nigerian representatives. Following the meeting, Nigeria reportedly approved the delivery of 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Niger.
A senior Nigerian government official indicated that the approval was granted with the strategic aim of leveraging it as a bargaining tool in ongoing negotiations between the countries.
The delegation from Niger explained that the country had been relying on fuel from a Chinese-operated refinery, but due to supply disruptions, the refinery was shut down, leading to the current crisis.
Sources indicate that Niger Republic turned to Nigeria as its fuel shortage crisis worsened, though the specifics of the arrangement remain confidential.
A senior government official stated, “We do not want to publicize this. Instead, we see it as a strategic bargaining tool to encourage Niger’s return to ECOWAS. The more they rely on us, the greater the likelihood of reintegration, especially since they lack sufficient resources to import food for their citizens.”
Officials at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) suggested that the deal might have been arranged at the presidential level, as NNPCL now operates as a limited liability company.
Meanwhile, a source at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery declined to comment due to diplomatic sensitivities, and the Nigerian Presidency has also refrained from making any public statements on the matter.#newsafro_
