There is even a bigger picture.
This wasn't the first time Joe went to Niger to 'spy' for the CIA.
He was asked to do the same during the Clinton adminstration.
The situation was almost exactly the same.
He was going to Libya on 'company business'.
The CIA was trying to find out if Niger was selling yellowcake ore to Saddam.
Since Joe was going, and had plenty of contacts there (he was a close friend and business partner of the President of Niger), he was asked to 'spy' for the CIA.
All expenses paid, no non-disclosure agreements to sign.
Makes sense. Who would think he was a spy? In Niger?
Here's the BIG PICTURE.
That 'company business' that Joe was on. JC Wilson Ventures, Intl.
The reason he was going to Niger in the first place.
Guess what his company does, and why he had to be there.
They are brokers for foreign nationals. They specifically were the broker (and Joe was the primary handler on these deals) for the sales of yellowcake ore for the President of Niger.
Each time, Saddam somehow purchased large quantities of yellowcake ore. (likely through Libya)
That's interesting. I was not aware of that. Do you have any corroborating links?