(Bloomberg) – Niger’s military leadership ordered three Chinese oil executives to leave the country, saying they failed to meet new regulations aimed at promoting the use of local goods and services.
The move comes as a result of a wider restructuring of foreign mining companies by the military regime across West Africa as cash-strapped governments attempt to earn more revenue from their natural resources.
Niger provides top local officials to China National Petroleum Corporation, Zinder Refining Corporation and West Africa Gas Pipeline Corporation Limited.
He said the two companies failed to comply with the 2024 amendment that promoted the use of local goods, services and labor in the excavation sector of Niger.
“We just require these companies to choose Nigerian subcontractors where possible, and most of them should not be Chinese,” Hamidu said.
CNPC did not respond to a sent request for comment. Wapco did not respond to the phone and sought comments emails. Zinder Refining Company could not be contacted for comment.
Last year, the Niger military government controlled the uranium mine operated by France’s Orano SA. The military government of neighboring Mali has detained mining executives and has been from Barrick Gold Corp.
CNPC signed a $400 million deal with Niger in April to pay oil ahead of schedule to help West African countries’ government compensation debt accumulate since the 2023 coup. Niger will pay 7% interest on the advance funds, which will be repaid in equivalent terms through oil revenues within 12 months.
Niger revoked the operating license of the China-owned International Hotel in the capital Niami on March 6, which is suspected of “discriminatory practices” and “administrative violations.
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