Niger/Official letter orders CNPCNP to terminate long-term expatriate contracts by May 31

In an official letter dated May 22, Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Sahabi Dumarou, has directed the China National Petroleum Corporation Niger Petroleum (CNPCNP) to immediately terminate the contracts of expatriates who have been in the country for more than four years, demanding their departure by May 31, 2025. This stern warning reflects the government’s firm commitment to reclaiming control over the nation’s strategic economic sectors.

This decision is not an isolated move but part of a consistent policy implemented since the political transition began in July 2023.

Niger’s President, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has placed economic sovereignty at the core of his national restructuring agenda.

The strict enforcement of Ordinance No. 2024-34 on local content in the extractive sector and Niger’s Labor Code underscores this push to reclaim key positions, promote national employment, and ensure genuine skills transfer in the petroleum industry.

Beyond technical considerations, this measure sends a strong political signal to international partners: Niger will no longer tolerate imbalanced contractual arrangements inherited from the past.

The reprimand of CNPCNP, accused of practices contrary to the spirit of its agreements, marks a major step in reasserting partnerships that respect Niger’s interests.

Now committed to governance rooted in popular sovereignty, Niger refuses to outsource its future.

Through this action, General Tiani reaffirms his determination to transform oil into a lever for development that benefits the Nigerien people.

Titi KEITA