Nigeria’s Fuel Lifeline to Niger: Petrol Prices Halve as Supplies Flow Across Border
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Fuel prices in Niger Republic have dropped by 50%, following emergency petrol shipments from Nigeria, highlighting the enduring economic and political ties between the neighbouring nations despite recent diplomatic tensions.
Residents of border communities and security sources confirmed that hundreds of petrol tankers had crossed into Niger in recent days, easing a crisis that had seen pump prices soar to N10,000 per litre in some parts of the landlocked nation. As of Sunday, prices had fallen to around N5,000 per litre, with further reductions expected.
The development follows a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja last week, where Niger’s military government sought emergency fuel supplies from Nigeria after weeks of severe shortages. The Nigerien delegation secured approval for 300 petrol trucks, marking a thaw in relations between the two countries following months of strained ties and sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fuel as a Bargaining Tool?
According to government insiders, Nigeria’s decision to supply fuel to Niger was not purely an act of goodwill but also a “strategic bargaining tool” aimed at persuading the junta in Niamey to reconsider its ECOWAS membership.
“We do not want to blow our trumpet,” a senior government official told Sunday PUNCH. “But we hope that this assistance will strengthen our position in ongoing negotiations and bring them back into ECOWAS. They need us more than they realise.”
The military-led government in Niamey, which seized power in July 2023, has been grappling with economic isolation following its fallout with ECOWAS and Western allies. The fuel shortages exacerbated an already dire economic situation, leading to desperate appeals for assistance.
Relief for Citizens as Fuel Supplies Resume
Residents in Niger welcomed the Nigerian intervention, saying it had averted a worsening crisis.
“The situation has improved significantly compared to what we experienced in the past weeks,” said Faruku Lawali, a resident of Agadez, one of the worst-hit regions. “There are still queues, but at least fuel is available now. Nigeria did not abandon us when it mattered most.”
Commercial transport operators have also felt the impact. Usman Aliyu, a driver on the Nigeria-Niger route, said the fuel supply had not only eased economic pressure but reinforced historic ties between the two nations.
“With what Nigeria has done, I have come to understand that blood is thicker than water,” he said. “This kind of support shows that we are still brothers despite our governments’ differences.”
Security Concerns and Cross-Border Movements
While the Nigeria Customs Service has not officially confirmed the fuel shipments, security officials at the border in Illela corroborated reports of increased tanker movements.
“There have been movements of petroleum products from Nigeria to Niger,” said a security officer, speaking anonymously. “The tankers arrive with documents, and the relevant agencies clear them before they proceed.”
With the supply chain stabilising, observers say the fuel deal could mark a turning point in Nigeria-Niger relations, providing an opportunity for renewed engagement. However, questions remain over whether Niger’s junta will reciprocate Nigeria’s gesture by reconsidering its political alliances.
For now, though, the focus is on keeping Niger’s petrol pumps running—and ensuring that economic lifelines remain open between two nations that, despite political rifts, remain deeply intertwined.
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