Nigeria and Niger are working hand in hand so as to enhance their economic ties, prioritizing on cross-border markets, trade, and energy.
The link betwixt these neighboring nations nearly broke down after a seizure in Niger that eliminated its democratic government. This advanced the Nigerian government, with other members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to impose several sanctions on Niger, as well as on Burkina Faso and Mali, which also experienced a downfall in their civilian governments.
In response, the three countries decided to distance themselves from ECOWAS by withdrawing their membership and forming a new group called the Alliance of Sahel States, or in French, Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).
While Niger, along with the other two nations, appears to have moved forward, there is still much work needed to maintain their long-standing relationship.
On Wednesday, in Niamey, the capital of Niger, the foreign ministers of Nigeria and Niger, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Mr. Bakary Sangaré, met to discuss strengthening their countries’ relationship.
After their meeting, they issued a joint statement indicating that this engagement was initiated by both sides.
The statement highlighted: “His Excellency Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood that has always marked the friendly relations between the people of our two countries.
“The discussions occurred in a very cordial atmosphere, allowing for a thorough exploration of the challenges both countries face, as well as key current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.”
The two countries engaged in many topics that could help build stronger ties between the people and governments of Niger and Nigeria. They focused on the renewed commitment to grow the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), which would commit strengthen the progress made so far. Additionally, both sides highlighted the importance of boosting economic cooperation, particularly in areas like cross-border markets, trade, and energy. They also talked about the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, building the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic project, Bilateral Air Services, local committees, micro-diplomacy, tariffs and taxes, desertification, friendly neighbor policies, migration, tourism, education, new technologies, agriculture, livestock farming, and infrastructure. In light of this, the two Ministers agreed to work together and follow up on these matters through the NNJC as soon as they can.
During their talks, the two Ministers appreciated the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and good neighborliness that connect Niger and Nigeria. They confirmed their shared goal to enhance and energize their cooperation, aiming to meet the ambitions and legitimate expectations of their people, who seek peace, security, and development.
Regarding security, the Ministers acknowledged the terrorist threats along the border, which hinder the effective execution of their governments’ development programs. Consequently, they urged the defense ministries of both countries to maintain their security cooperation.
The delegations expressed their belief in the importance of strengthening social cooperation.They agreed to boost exchanges at all levels, especially by regularly holding meetings among expert committees, the Council of Ministers, and the High Authority of the Niger-Nigeria Joint Cooperation Commission.
To achieve this, the two Foreign Ministers highlighted the need to create a Joint Consultative Forum. This forum will gather all key stakeholders from both countries to tackle shared challenges and seek new opportunities for the benefit of their citizens.
His Excellency Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens abroad, expressed his heartfelt thanks to his Nigerian counterpart for visiting Niamey. He asked him to pass on the gratitude and appreciation of the President, the Head of State, the Government, and the people of Niger to the Government and people of Nigeria.
His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended gratitude to the Government and people of Niger for their warm hospitality and received him and his team. He also bidden Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré to make an approved working visit to Nigeria. This invitation was gladly recognized , and the date will be shared through diplomatic channels.
