Nigeria, Niger pledge stronger ties, renew joint commission talks
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria and Niger Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors following a high-level visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to Niamey on April 16, 2025.
Ambassador Tuggar was received by his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, in a warm reception that underscored the long-standing fraternity between the two neighboring nations.
During the official working visit, both ministers held extensive talks on security, trade, infrastructure, and regional development. They agreed to revitalize the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) as a key platform for driving cooperation on shared priorities.
Top on the agenda were the operationalization of cross-border markets and energy infrastructure, including the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Fiber Optic project. They also discussed trade facilitation, bilateral air services, agricultural collaboration, ICT, tourism, education, and efforts to tackle desertification.
On the security front, the two nations acknowledged the persistent threat of terrorism along their shared borders and called on their respective defense ministries to sustain and enhance joint security operations.
The ministers agreed to establish a Joint Consultative Forum to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders from both countries to address mutual challenges and unlock opportunities for growth and cooperation.
They also emphasized the importance of continued political, economic, scientific, and cultural exchanges through regular meetings of expert committees, ministerial councils, and the High Authority of the NNJC.
Ambassador Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the warm hospitality received and extended an invitation to Minister Sangaré to visit Nigeria for a reciprocal working visit. The invitation was accepted, with the date to be announced through diplomatic channels.
