Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Despite diplomatic tensions, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated Nigeria’s leadership in West Africa by approving the supply of 13.5 million litres of petrol to Niger Republic. This move, executed amid Niger’s worsening fuel crisis, highlights Nigeria’s growing energy independence and its ability to provide regional support.
Truth Live News gathered that the decision to assist Niger, despite past hostile rhetoric from the country’s junta, serves as a diplomatic leverage point for Nigeria. A senior government official noted that this gesture is part of broader strategic negotiations aimed at reintegrating Niger into ECOWAS.
“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.
With the Dangote Refinery and revitalized local production ensuring domestic fuel stability, Nigeria’s capacity to extend aid without economic strain is evident. Industry leaders, including IPMAN’s Vice President Hammed Fashola, affirmed that the country has sufficient supply to support its neighbor without affecting local consumption.
Reacting, oil marketers said although they were not aware of the deal, the export of 300 tankers to Niger Republic would amount to about 13.5 million litres of petrol.
It was calculated that 300 of 45,000-litre capacity trucks is about 13.5 million litres of petrol to be exported to Niger Republic
While Niger’s government has downplayed Nigeria’s role in resolving its crisis, the Tinubu administration’s intervention once again has shown its pragmatic approach to regional stability and economic diplomacy. This calculated move not only reaffirms Nigeria’s dominance in the subregion but also strengthens its bargaining power in future negotiations with its northern neighbor.