AsianFin -- Local media reported on Sunday that Niger has expelled several Chinese executives affiliated with three major oil companies operating in the country, accusing them of violating key provisions of a recently amended mining code designed to protect national interests.
Executives from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Zinder Refining Company, and the West African Gas Pipeline Company were ordered to leave after authorities found that the firms had failed to comply with legal obligations related to fair labor practices and stronger support for local economic participation.
Government officials stated that the companies did not implement equitable salary structures for local workers, neglected to meet quotas for hiring Nigerien subcontractors, and failed to prioritize local suppliers in procurement contracts. Additionally, they reportedly did not provide adequate training or career development opportunities for Nigerien staff or engage in meaningful technology transfer, a key requirement of the revised mining legislation passed in 2024.
“We simply ask the companies to pick a Nigerien subcontractor when possible, and that a majority of the subcontractors shouldn’t be Chinese,” said Ibrahim Hamidou, head of communications for the office of Niger’s prime minister.
The expulsions underscore Niger's commitment to enforcing its revised mining code, which aims to ensure that foreign companies contribute more significantly to the local economy and workforce development. This move reflects a broader trend in resource-rich African nations seeking to maximize the benefits of their natural resources while safeguarding national interests.
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