ICYMI: Niger Expels 3 Chinese Oil Executives, Shuts Down Chinese-Owned Hotel In Niamey

According to local media and official sources, The Nigerien government expelled three Chinese oil company executives and revoked the operating licence of a major hotel in Niamey.

Several Nigerien media outlets reported that authorities ordered three officials from SORAZ, CNPC, and WAPCO to leave the country within 48 hours, starting March 12, 2025. The decision was reportedly linked to non-compliance with Ordinance No. 2024-34, which requires foreign companies to prioritise resources favouring the Nigerien people.

According to reports, the expelled executives were accused of implementing an unfair remuneration system that paid expatriates significantly more than Nigerien employees. They are also accused of ignoring local supplier quotas, refusing to train and upskill Nigerien personnel, being reluctant to transfer technologies, and limiting opportunities for domestic businesses and workforce development.

A local oil sector official said Chinese companies managed their accounting and financial data from China, raising concerns about transparency.

In a separate action, Niger’s Minister of Handicrafts and Tourism, Soufiane Aghatchata Guichene, signed an order on March 6, 2025, permanently withdrawing the licence of the Soluxe International Hotel. The hotel, built by Chinese investors for 25 billion FCFA, was cited for discriminatory practices, unauthorised expansion, and inaccurate tax declarations.

The hotel, which spans eight hectares in Niamey’s Gamkallé district, had 224 rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and various recreational facilities. The Chinese ambassador to Niger at the time of its construction, Shi Hu, described it as the country’s “largest and best-equipped” hotel.

While these actions may impact Sino-Nigerien relations, with concerns that further measures could strain economic and diplomatic ties, this move is part of the government’s efforts to enforce economic policies favouring local interests and address concerns about foreign business practices.

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