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Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis
Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis
By: Our Reporter
The ruling junta in Niger Republic is reportedly scrambling to offload a significant stockpile of uranium in a desperate attempt to shore up state finances, as the country grapples with a severe cash crunch, growing poverty, and a deteriorating security situation.
Recent reports indicate that Niger’s military leaders, struggling under mounting internal and external debt, have turned to China and Russia in a bid to secure a deal for dozens of tons of uranium stored in Arlit. However, Western powers, particularly the United States, have strongly warned against any sale of Nigerien uranium to Iran, setting a clear red line that could have serious geopolitical consequences.
The junta’s financial difficulties have become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. Niger’s Minister of Justice reportedly held discussions with magistrates, urging them to negotiate bail payments from certain detainees in exchange for their freedom. At the same time, tax officials have been aggressively shutting down businesses across Niamey to boost government revenue. Meanwhile, some security forces have faced delays in receiving their salaries, further highlighting the government’s fiscal struggles.
It is within this fragile economic landscape that the junta has intensified efforts to sell uranium, one of Niger’s most valuable natural resources.
Initially, Niger approached Chinese buyers, who expressed interest in purchasing 200 tons of uranium. However, at the last minute, the deal collapsed, leaving the junta scrambling for alternative buyers.
Desperate to push through the sale, Niger’s military rulers reportedly turned to an underground Russian company. According to intelligence sources, a clandestine plan is being put in place to fly the uranium out of Agadez, with a Russian linked company facilitating the transaction. The aircraft would reportedly land in Niger with the transaction value in U.S. dollars, load the uranium, and depart.
To cover their tracks, the junta is said to be forging documents to facilitate the sale through specialized state services. However, concerns have emerged that this Russian middleman may be acting on behalf of Iran, a move that could trigger serious diplomatic and economic repercussions.
U.S. Warning: “A Red Line Not to Be Crossed”
The reported connection between Niger’s uranium and Iran has drawn the attention of the United States, which has taken a firm stance against any such transaction.
A high-ranking U.S. delegation, including Molly Phee, former Deputy Secretary of State for African Affairs, Celeste Wallander, Deputy Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and General Michael Langley, head of AFRICOM, visited Niamey on March 12, 2024, to directly warn the junta against selling uranium to Iran.
During a tense meeting with Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine and Colonel Ibro Bacharou (alias “Souley Mai Konco”), the U.S. officials reportedly made it clear that selling uranium to Iran would cross a serious geopolitical red line.
Sources say that the head of the Nigerien junta distanced himself from the uranium sale, claiming that Ibrahim Moussa Gro, a special adviser on mines, had independently engaged in talks with Iran. However, observers believe this was merely an attempt to deflect blame and ease U.S. pressure.
Strengthening Niger-Iran Ties
Concerns over Niger’s uranium dealings with Iran intensified after Prime Minister Lamine Zeine visited Tehran in January 2024, a trip that resulted in closer economic cooperation between the two countries. Shortly after, a high-level Iranian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr. Mehdi Safari, traveled to Niamey on February 21, 2024, for further discussions.
Western intelligence sources suspect these engagements laid the groundwork for uranium sales to Iran, prompting the U.S. diplomatic intervention.
Meanwhile, Niger’s uranium industry is also entangled in legal disputes with foreign investors. French nuclear giant Orano has filed a second international arbitration case against Niger at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington. This follows an earlier case brought before the OHADA court in Abidjan. Orano accuses Niger of blocking its uranium exports, jeopardizing 900 jobs, and halting the redevelopment of the COMINAK mine, a project originally budgeted at 124 billion CFA francs ($206 million) over 20 years.
Canadian mining company GoviEx has also taken Niger to international arbitration over a contractual dispute. However, reports indicate that the junta has been forced to seek a settlement, realizing that the legal battle could further complicate Niger’s uranium sales on global markets.
Niger’s ruling junta finds itself in a precarious position, facing severe financial hardship, international scrutiny, and legal battles over its uranium industry. While the government seeks to liquidate its uranium reserves to fund state operations, the involvement of Russian intermediaries and possible links to Iran could jeopardize relations with key global powers and invite further diplomatic isolation.
With Western powers closely monitoring Niger’s actions, any unauthorized uranium sale could trigger sanctions, economic penalties, and increased geopolitical tensions. For the junta, the challenge lies in balancing economic survival with the risk of international backlash a gamble that could determine Niger’s future on the world stage.
Niger’s Junta in Urgent Bid to Sell Uranium Amid Cash Crisis
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
By: Our Reporter
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, has inaugurated 39 mini-green Maria vehicles to ensure the safe transportation of inmates to courts during trials.
In a statement on X, the ministry said the commissioning took place at the headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The minister also unveiled four armoured security guard booths to protect correctional facilities from external aggression by non-state actors.
“The Hon. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, today inaugurated four armored security guard booths at the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters to enhance the defense of correctional facilities against external threats,” the statement reads.
“He also unveiled 39 mini-green Maria vehicles designed to ensure the secure transportation of inmates to court during trials. These efforts reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the safety and welfare of officers and inmates.
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
By: Mamman Mohammed
Since the news about the signing of the Damaturu fly over contract filtered the air, it attracted accolades in many quarters and of course, reservations in some quarters. This is very normal and usual with every human endeavour.
It is pertinent to note that His Excellency the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, while presenting the 2025 budget to the state House of Assembly, emphatically said “The widespread of road projects is intended to give a facelift and accessibility to our communities. Government is committed to the completion of the seventeen ongoing road projects, and to embark on eleven new ones. The completion of the township roads and drainages in five Local Government Areas is very dear to the government. I am also pleased to inform you that work would soon commence for the construction of the Damaturu flyover. We would also commence work on the Damaturu Green Economic City”.
Similarly, the budget allocated funds to other sectors to run simultaneously to improve the lives of the people without obstructing the execution of other projects and programmes in other sectors.
Importantly, the budget went through open process of careful and critical scrutiny, with Civil Society Organizations, individuals and groups in attendance.
Throughout the public sitting, none of the interest groups and individuals identified any project including the Damaturu flyover road as a misplacement of priority that would be at the expense of another, and as they may say, it is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
There is no doubt that the Damaturu flyover project will not only check the numerous congestion and accidents in the metropolis but, also beautify Damaturu, from a glorified local government headquarters to a beffiting state capital that is comparable to its peers, and a pride of every Yobean.
This takes us to the Muhammadu Buhari lnternational Cargo Airport as a reference point. When Gov. Buni took over the leadership of the state in 2019, there was an argument for and against the completion of the airport.
Many people described it as a wasteful project while others urged the new administration to ensure its completion. And when Gov. Buni finally announced the completion of the airport which was still at skeletal stage, it put such arguments to halt.
Gov. Buni’s argument was that, abandoning the project at that level would be a monumental loss to the state that would only attract untold inflation whenever any administration decides to complete the airport. Thanks to the wise decision, and the deep futuristic thinking by Governor Buni.
Today, the argument over the completion of the airport is now history. It is
completed and commissioned. It remains
one of the iconic legacy projects, with a very prosperous future to the state.
Already, some international investors have indicated interest in direct and indirect investments in the state. The Qatari business community and most recently, the Moroccan Investment, lmport and Export Development Agency, said the airport is a window to a fruitful economic partnership that would generate employment and wealth creation.
The same criticisms greeted the Kano, Maiduguri, Yola, Kaduna and Jalingo flyovers.
Surprisingly, some characters who lauded the flyovers elsewhere have suddenly changed their positions with the Damaturu flyover.
As a known fact, there may be no single government project or programme that would generate100% support from the public, as everyone may have his opinion for or against such project.
We should always see such projects positively and support government in its development strides to make Damaturu a state capital that is in tune with the changing times.
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.
Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.
It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.
The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.
Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.
Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
FG unveils 39 inmate transport vehicles, armoured booths for prison security
Damaturu Flyover: The Making of A Befitting State Capital
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
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