The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, paid an official working visit to Niamey on Wednesday at the joint initiative of both countries.

He was received by his Nigerien counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad, Bakary Sangaré.

According to a joint communique by both ministers, the visit was marked by a warm reception that underscored the longstanding friendly relations between Nigeria and Niger.

Discussions between the two ministers were held “in a spirit of brotherhood that characterises the warm and friendly relations that have always existed between the peoples of the two countries,” focusing on deepening cooperation and addressing shared challenges at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

“Some of the concerns raised were the renewed commitment to revitalise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, which would further consolidate the gains made so far.

“Furthermore, the two parties emphasised the need to strengthen economic cooperation especially in operationalisation of cross-border markets, trade and energy, the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the construction of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic, Bilateral Air Services, local bilateral committees, micro-diplomacy, tariffs and taxes, desertification, good neighborliness policies, migration, tourism, education, new information and communication technologies, agriculture and livestock farming, and infrastructure.

“In this regard, the two Ministers agreed to cooperate and follow up on these issues through the NNJC as soon as possible,” the communique added.

Both sides emphasised the importance of good neighbourliness, local bilateral committees, and “micro-diplomacy” to address grassroots concerns and promote sustainable development.

On security, the ministers acknowledged the persistent terrorist threats along their shared border, which hinder development efforts.

The joint statement noted, “Therefore, the two ministers called on the ministries of defense of both countries to continue their security cooperation.”

Recognising the need for broader and more structured dialogue, the two foreign ministers proposed the establishment of a Joint Consultative Forum. This body would bring together stakeholders from both nations to jointly tackle common challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

As the visit concluded, the two ministers praised the quality of their countries’ relations and reiterated their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation in line with the aspirations of their peoples.

Sangaré thanked Amb. Tuggar for his visit and conveyed the appreciation of Niger’s leadership and citizens.

In return, Tuggar extended an invitation to Minister Sangaré to visit Nigeria, an offer which was accepted, with dates to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

The Republic of Niger came under military rule following a coup d’état on July 26, 2023. The presidential guard, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, citing deteriorating security and poor governance.

The coup was met with widespread international condemnation, especially from the Economic Community of West African States, which called for the reinstatement of democratic rule and imposed sanctions in response.

In reaction to ECOWAS’s demands and pressure, Niger’s new military leadership adopted a more defiant stance. They suspended cooperation with ECOWAS, accusing it of foreign influence and bias. Alongside Burkina Faso and Mali; two other West African countries also under military rule, Niger announced its withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024.

These nations formed a new alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States, stressing mutual defence and sovereignty over regional integration with ECOWAS.

As part of distancing itself from ECOWAS, Niger also moved to change its official travel documents. The country ceased issuing the standard ECOWAS biometric passport, which had been a symbol of regional unity and freedom of movement. Instead, Niger began issuing a new national passport, separate from the ECOWAS framework.


https://punchng.com/nigeria-niger-discuss-cross-border-trade-others/