Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China

By: Zagazola Makama

The mystery surrounding the wave of pipeline explosions in Niger Republic has taken a new twist, as authorities in Niamey shift blame from Nigeria and its allies to China, raising more questions than answers about the actors and motives behind these attacks.

Since the first reported sabotage on June 16, 2024, a series of large-scale explosions have rocked key oil infrastructure, severely disrupting crude oil transportation and exportation. While the Nigerien government initially accused Nigeria, France, and Benin, recent developments suggest a new diplomatic blame game, with China now at the center of the controversy.

For months, Nigerien authorities, particularly elements within the ruling military junta, accused regional and international actors of orchestrating attacks on its pipelines to exert economic and political pressure. The pipeline running from Niger’s Agadem oil field to the Benin coast has been a flashpoint in diplomatic tensions, especially after Benin refused to allow oil shipments over a political dispute with Niamey.

Initially, the First Peoples of the Liberation (FPL) claimed responsibility for the first explosion but have since remained silent on subsequent attacks. This led Niger’s junta to direct its accusations at neighboring countries, alleging that foreign backed sabotage aimed to destabilize its oil dependent economy.

However, in a recent confidential letter, Nigerien officials allegedly, accused China of secretly collaborating with Nigerien rebels to justify a halt in oil production, adding a new dimension to the crisis.

Why China?

China has been a major investor in Niger’s oil industry, funding the construction of the 2,000km-long Niger-Benin pipeline through the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). With exports projected at 90,000 barrels per day, Beijing has significant stakes in Niger’s oil sector.
However, sources within Nigerien intelligence claim that Chinese interests could be benefiting from the attacks, using them as a pretext to renegotiate contracts or pressure Niamey into granting more favorable terms. Others speculate that factions within the Nigerien government could be pushing this narrative to shift public attention away from internal instability and economic hardship.

On the other hand, Chinese diplomatic sources have reportedly dismissed the allegations, suggesting instead that the so-called “petro-kidnappers” a term used for those controlling Niger’s oil resources could be staging these attacks to strengthen their bargaining power in contract negotiations.

Unanswered Questions

Beyond the accusations, several troubling questions remain: Why has no group claimed responsibility for the recent attacks?
How have the attackers managed to strike without being caught or leaving behind suspects? If China is involved, what does it stand to gain by sabotaging infrastructure it helped build? If the accusations against Nigeria and Benin were false, what was the motive behind Niger’s initial claims?

Another major mystery surrounds the Lakurawas, a shadowy group rumored to be involved in the attacks. Despite being frequently mentioned in official circles, the group has never issued a statement or made any demands, raising doubts about its very existence.

Analysts believe the real actors behind the sabotage could be operating from within Niger itself, using the attacks to advance personal or political agendas. By constantly shifting blame from Nigeria to France, Benin, and now China Niger’s junta may be obscuring the true source of the crisis.

Meanwhile, with no arrests, no confirmed perpetrators, and no resolution in sight, the pipeline fires remain a silent riddle, burning through Niger’s economic potential and regional diplomatic ties.

Until the real masterminds are identified, the only certainty is that ordinary Nigeriens remain the biggest victims of this unfolding crisis.

Niger’s Shifting Accusations on Pipeline Sabotage – From Nigeria to China

NIMC Warns of Indiscriminate Issuance of Unauthorized NIN Cards

… Initiates Manhunt for Printers

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission said it has noticed some unscrupulous individuals, cyber cafes, and organisations indiscriminate printing of unauthorized ‘NIN’ cards and charging unsuspecting members of the public exorbitant fees.

A statement by its Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Dr. Kayode Adegoke
noted that the Commission has not authorized anyone or organisation to print any card in place of the NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card, insisting that: “This act is against the NIMC Act no 23, 2007.”

Adegoke said: “To this end, the general public and organisations are advised to stop printing any NIN cards against the authorized NIMC GMPC. The so-called NIN card is not authorized by NIMC, and on no account should anyone present it as a means of identification. The security agencies have been notified of this nefarious activity and have been mandated
to apprehend those involved.

“Anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The Commission reiterates that the NIN slip is the only legal document authorized as a means of identification, and it must be verified upon presentation to access services.”

He added that: “To meet the yearnings of the public, the Commission has finalized plans to launch the Improved GMPC, which is multifunctional and serves as a physical means of identification and payment. The card is powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.”

He however advised that: “For any inquiry on the above and other issues, NIMC can be reached at 07002255646,
0815505388; emails – nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng, ieu@nimc.gov.ng, and on all social media platforms

NIMC Warns of Indiscriminate Issuance of Unauthorized NIN Cards

Southern Borno and Zulum’s Inclusivity Galore

By Dauda Iliya

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s recent working trip to the Southern Borno Senatorial Zone opened more vistas into his passion for inclusivity in the conduct of governance; and his commitment to justice and fairness in the equitable distribution of infrastructural development and services across the state.

A public or political office holder’s passion and commitment to serving an entity are normally weighed on the scale of what, in principle and practice, is the social contract binding him and the entity he serves, on the sacred ideals of justice and fairness to all sections of the entity.

Given the monumental destruction of development infrastructures and services by insecurity over the last fifteen years, reconstructing Borno State from the rubbles that littered its vast physical and economic landscapes has always required inclusivity in the distribution of development infrastructures and services for the speedy and sustainable reconstruction of the state in all facets.

Over the last five years since his ascension to the governorship saddle, Zulum was lavishly reported to have executed over one thousand meaningful and durable reconstruction and economic revitalization projects equitably distributed across the three Senatorial zones of the state.

He was apparently spurred to do so by his passion for inclusivity in the conduct of governance on the ideals of administrative and political justice and fairness to all.

Always on his heels, trotting around the state, performing the groundbreaking for development projects, supervising or commissioning completed and equipped such projects across the three senatorial zones of the state, Prof Zulum seeks to equitably satisfy and earn the reverence of every zone as a just and fair governor.

It was, therefore, in sustenance of this tradition that he undertook his latest round of such working trips to the Southern Borno Senatorial Zone.

Governor Zulum commissioned the state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals and a mega secondary school in Biu Local Government Area of the Southern Borno Senatorial Zone.

The 40-bed capacity eye hospital, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, is to address the growing need for ophthalmological care in the zone.

To ensure the hospital achieves its purpose, Zulum instantly approved the appointment of a team of highly trained medical doctors and specialists who will offer treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and other vision-related ailments.

The 30-bed capacity dental hospital is to provide comprehensive oral health services, including preventive care, orthodontics and restorative treatments, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for dental care.

While commissioning the two health facilities, Zulum underscored his administration’s commitment to improving the quality healthcare for Borno’s citizens.

His words: “Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of the Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. Reflecting on this commitment, we allocated 15 percent of the state’s budget to health sector in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year in line with the Abuja declaration recommendation for healthcare financing to prioritize health and well-being of our people.”

Governor Zulum, while inaugurating the two healthcare facilities, announced the release of funds for the construction of 5 general hospitals across the state, one each in Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa and Dikwa local government areas.

He reiterated his commitment to addressing the manpower needs in the healthcare centres in order to provide optimal healthcare to the people of Borno.

He said: “We recognize that the development of a resilient healthcare system necessitates more than just physical infrastructure. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals is equally crucial.

“To address this shortage of manpower, we are launching a multidimensional initiative, incorporating a range of measures to attract, train, retain, develop skilled healthcare professionals and talents and collaboration with educational institutions among others.”

The governor also commissioned a mega secondary school at Miringa, in Biu local government area designed to accommodate over 1,300 students. The school consists of 60 classrooms, an ICT centre and four laboratories among other facilities that enhance teaching and learning activities.

He distributed text and exercise books, uniforms, school sandals and a bicycle for each of the enrolled students to ease movement from the nearby villages.

Over decades, Southern Borno has been reputed for its monumental quantum of agriculture production.

Governor Zulum, therefore, explored the possibility of enabling the zone to maintain and elevate that enviable status, in keeping with Nigeria’s unfolding economic diversification policies and programmes from the oil to the agricultural sectors.

He, consequently, with what sounded like a loud bang, announced his administration’s resolve to resuscitate the 40 years old Biu Dam to Boost irrigation farming in the zone and tackle the perennial water scarcity bedeviling Biu and the neighbouring local governments.

Zulum announced the resolve during his traditional homage to the Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, at his palace in Biu, as part of his two-day working trip to the zone.

He underscored the critical importance his administration places on irrigation farming as part of its efforts to enhance food security and provide sustainable livelihoods for victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

He told the royal farher: “Your Highness, I want to assure you that we will revitalize the Biu Dam to bolster irrigation farming in your emirate. Agriculture is one of the cardinal pillars of my administration and we will continue to invest in the sector to ensure food security in the state.”

In a dramatic move to bolster the local economy and upscale small, mini, and micro enterprises, the governor disbursed N1 billion to 9,403 MSMEs in Biu and Hawul LGAs. Over the past five years, Zulum has launched similar initiatives aimed at tackling poverty head-on and revitalising the battered economy of Borno.

The breakdown revealed that N560.3 million was distributed to 5,603 entrepreneurs, with each receiving N100,000. Additionally, N439.7 million was allocated to 1,800 youths and vulnerable households in Biu, along with a further 2,000 entrepreneurs from Hawul.

Consequently, Zulum during the visit also laid the foundation for the construction of 600 two-bedroom semi-detached houses for teachers and health professionals in five different locations. They are 100 houses each in Biu, Magumeri, Hawul, Gubio and 200 at Borno State Teaching Hospital.

In the spirit of inclusivity, administrative and political justice and fairness in spreading equitable development across the three senatorial zones of the state, Governor Zulum promised to roll out many more development projects in Southern Borno before the end of his tenure in 2027.

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum’s recent working trip to Southern Borno Senatorial Zone was an enviable showcase of a governor’s passion for the principle and practice of Inclusivity in equitable service delivery to the three zones of the state.

It was a showcase of Inclusivity Galore.

Dauda Iliya is the Special Adviser Media/Spokesperson to the Executive Governor of Borno State.

Southern Borno and Zulum’s Inclusivity Galore