Niger has requested that some Chinese employees working on its oil projects leave the country, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. This move, which could affect dozens of Chinese workers, highlights increasing efforts by Niger’s junta-led government to assert greater control over its natural resources and boost local employment. It also signals growing strains in the bilateral relationship between Niger and China.
The country’s Oil Minister, Sahabi Oumarou, sent letters to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and the refinery SORAZ, instructing them to terminate contracts of expatriate Chinese workers who have been in Niger for over four years. These communications, dated May 20 and May 21, reveal a firm stance on reducing foreign labor but also show some flexibility, with Oumarou acknowledging that some employees may need to stay based on individual circumstances.
This directive follows earlier tensions. In March, Niger expelled three senior Chinese oil executives amid disputes over salary disparities between expatriate staff and local workers, a clear indication of the government’s frustration with the current arrangements. Since then, CNPC officials have been seeking negotiations with Niger’s government to resolve the issues, but a meeting request by the CNPC CEO was declined by Oumarou.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded by reaffirming its commitment to cooperation with Niger, emphasizing principles of friendship and mutual benefit. A spokesperson noted CNPC’s longstanding economic and social contributions in Niger and expressed hope that the challenges could be resolved through friendly dialogue to ensure the long-term development of their oil partnership.
However, Niger’s accusations against CNPC for non-compliance with local regulations and the insistence on reducing Chinese expatriates underscore a shift towards prioritizing local workforce empowerment and resource sovereignty.
If fully implemented, the reduction could see dozens of Chinese oil workers repatriated. This development reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where governments are increasingly demanding greater control over natural resources and pushing for more local employment in foreign-led projects. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether China and Niger can find common ground and preserve their strategic oil cooperation.
