Nigeria, Niger renew ties to enhance security, regional development
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Tuesday led a high-level diplomatic delegation to Niamey in an effort to renew and strengthen bilateral relations with the Republic of Niger.
The visit marks a new chapter in Nigeria-Niger relations, as discussions centered on revitalizing the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), a key framework for bilateral engagement that had experienced periods of inactivity.
Key topics included critical infrastructure and economic integration projects such as the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway line, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, and the Trans-Saharan Highway. Other areas discussed included cross-border trade, energy exchange, telecommunications, desertification control, and the easing of tariffs and travel restrictions.
Ambassador Tuggar and his Nigerien counterpart, H.E. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, stressed the importance of accelerating these projects to drive regional development and improve the livelihoods of people on both sides of the border.
Security was a major focus, with both countries raising concerns over escalating terrorist threats along their shared border. They called for enhanced cooperation between their defense ministries and pledged joint efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
In a joint communiqué, the ministers praised the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Niger, rooted in historical, cultural, and social ties.
They announced plans to institutionalize dialogue through the creation of a Joint Consultative Forum and to revive regular meetings of NNJC structures, including expert committees and ministerial councils.
Other highlighted areas of collaboration included migration management, education, tourism, agriculture, livestock development, and ICT. Both countries expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would foster sustainable development, peace, and prosperity across the sub-region.
