Nigerian-Chadian Relations - Bilateral diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Chad . The length of the state border between the countries is 85 km [1] .
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History
In 1975, relations between the two countries improved after the overthrow of the Chadian president, François Tombalbai . Nigeria supported Chad in its struggle with the Libyan forces, but avoided direct participation in this military conflict. In 1979, Nigeria sponsored a rally between rival factions in Chad and proposed a little-known civil servant, Mahmata Shava Lola, in as head of a coalition government. Mahmat Shava Lol was President of Chad for several months, after which he was removed from power due to his pro-Nigerian policy.
In the 1980s, the two countries established even closer ties. Hoping to extract commercial and diplomatic benefits by expanding regional trade relations, Nigeria pushed France away as Chad's main export income. Chad's exports to Nigeria: livestock and dried fish, chemicals. Chad imports from Nigeria: food and industrial products. Both governments also recognized the potential value of a large informal trade sector across their border that no country controls. In addition, several thousand inhabitants of Chad began to work in the field of Nigerian industry and trade.
However, relations between countries were not without conflicts. Beginning in the late 1970s, clashes began to occur in the Lake Chad region , where both countries hoped to start using oil reserves. Then the countries tried to weaken these clashes by creating joint patrols and a commission to demarcate the border across the lake. Then, in the early 1980s, due to the shredding of Lake Chad, several small islands appeared, leading to further debate about their affiliation. Relations are also complicated by the instability in northern Nigeria, generated by the rise of Islamic fundamentalism . Most religious fanatics were of local origin, but the Nigerian police arrested several Libyans, which led to an increase in Nigerian support for Chad in his war with Libya.
In 1983, the Nigerian austerity campaign affected many neighboring countries, including Chad. Nigeria expelled several hundred thousand foreign workers, mainly from its oil industry, which has experienced sharp reductions as a result of lower global oil prices . At least 30,000 expelled workers were citizens of Chad. Despite this problem, Nigerians continued to help Chad achieve stability and both countries reiterated their intention to maintain close ties.