On May 25, 2025, Niger’s Minister of Petroleum issued a formal warning to China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Niger Petroleum, demanding that its expatriate employees leave the country by the end of the month. The decision, based on violations of national legislation, reflects the government’s clear intent to assert economic sovereignty and promote local employment.
At the center of the dispute is the excessive length of stay of several Chinese employees working for CNPC. Nigerien law sets strict limits on the duration foreign workers may remain employed by foreign companies, aiming to encourage skills transfer and integration of the local workforce. However, some CNPC staff have reportedly remained in the country for more than four years—well beyond the legally allowed timeframe. As a result, they have been declared persona non grata.
This move is part of a broader push by the Nigerien government to reclaim control over strategic sectors, particularly the oil industry. Although CNPC has long been a key partner in the country’s petroleum sector, the company is now being required to strictly comply with domestic regulations. Authorities are also emphasizing the need to increase Nigerien representation in senior positions, ensuring a fairer distribution of the economic benefits of oil exploitation.
The ultimatum comes as Niger reassesses its international partnerships, seeking to redefine power dynamics surrounding its natural resources. While the measure could strain relations with Beijing, it aligns with a deliberate strategy of sovereignty and rebalancing in favor of the local population.
As of now, CNPC has not issued an official response. However, this standoff could set a precedent, compelling other foreign stakeholders to adjust their operations to align with Nigerien legal standards.