Niger Republic has sought assistance from Nigeria in response to a fuel shortage crisis. Despite previous tensions and disagreements, the West African nation approached Nigeria for help.
A delegation from the military junta traveled to Abuja to discuss the issue with officials from the Federal Government.
Following negotiations, Nigeria reportedly agreed to provide 300 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit to Niger.
A government official familiar with the situation indicated that Nigeria viewed this agreement as a potential bargaining tool in ongoing discussions with Niger.
The delegation from Niger explained that the country had relied on fuel from a Chinese refinery, which had recently closed due to issues with the supplier. With limited options available, Niger turned to Nigeria for assistance as the fuel shortage situation worsened.
However, further details of the arrangement have not been disclosed.
“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.
“Let them get more from us. I am confident that gradually they will come back to ECOWAS because they do not have enough resources to import food to sustain their citizens,” the source added.
Officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited said the deal could have been done by the Presidency, as the national oil firm now operates as a limited liability company.
Similarly, a source at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery declined comments due to diplomatic concerns.
The Presidency also declined comments on the matter.
