Nigeria and Niger Republic have renewed diplomatic engagements to strengthen economic, security, and developmental cooperation following months of strained relations.
This development follows a working visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to Niamey on Wednesday, an effort initiated by both countries.
Ambassador Tuggar was received by Nigerien Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangaré. In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed a mutual commitment to enhance collaboration across key sectors, despite Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Discussions during the visit focused on revitalising the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), expanding energy partnerships, improving border trade, and advancing major infrastructural projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. Both sides also agreed on the need to reinforce security cooperation along their shared border amid ongoing threats from extremist groups.
The ministers highlighted the importance of “micro-diplomacy”, grassroots-driven dialogue and cooperation, in addressing local issues, promoting good neighborliness, and facilitating sustainable development at the community level.
To institutionalise future collaboration, they proposed establishing a Joint Consultative Forum, designed to involve stakeholders from both nations in resolving cross-border challenges and creating new opportunities.
Ambassador Tuggar extended an invitation to Sangaré for a reciprocal visit to Nigeria, which the Nigerien diplomat accepted. Dates are to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
The visit comes in the wake of Niger’s 2023 coup d’état that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and ushered in a military regime led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani. In response, ECOWAS imposed sanctions and demanded a return to civilian rule, prompting Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to exit the bloc in January 2024.
The trio has since established the Alliance of Sahel States, asserting sovereignty and collective defense over regional integration. Niger has also discontinued the use of ECOWAS biometric passports, replacing them with a new national version to reflect its detachment from the bloc.
Despite the political shifts, Nigeria and Niger appear poised to maintain bilateral ties, focusing on practical cooperation rather than political differences.
