Nigeria and Niger Republic have committed to enhancing their bilateral ties by strengthening economic cooperation especially in operationalization of cross-border markets, trade and energy, in spite of challenges facing both countries and major current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.
This path was charted when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar paid working visit to H.E. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigerien Abroad in Niamey.
A joint communique issued by both Ministers and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday night said the discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity for an in-depth examination of the challenges facing the two countries and that the duo renewed commitment to revitalise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), which would further consolidate the gains made so far.
The joint communique reads in parts; "The two countries deliberated on various issues of mutual interest that would foster closer relations amongst the people and government of Niger and Nigeria. Some of the concerns raised were the renewed commitment to revitalise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), which would further consolidate the gains made so far.
"Furthermore, the two parties emphasized the need to strengthen economic cooperation especially in operationalization 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.
According to the communique, during their discussions, the two Ministers welcomed the quality of the relations of fraternity, friendship, cooperation, and good neighborliness that bind Niger and Nigeria, and reaffirmed their shared desire to boost and energize bilateral cooperation between the two countries, to raise it to the level of their ambitions and the legitimate expectations of their respective peoples, who aspire to peace, security, and development.
"On the security front, the two Ministers noted the terrorist threat raging along the border between the two countries, which constitutes a real obstacle to the effective implementation of all development programs initiated by the governments of their countries."
Therefore, the two ministers called on the ministries of defense of both countries to continue their security cooperation.
"The delegations expressed their conviction of the need to strengthen social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two countries and agreed to increase mutual exchanges at all levels, particularly through the regular holding of meetings of the committees of experts, the Council of Ministers, and the High Authority of the Niger-Nigeria Joint Cooperation Commission
To this end, the two Minsters of Foreign Affairs have expressed the need to set up a Joint Consultative Forum that will bring together all relevant stakeholders of both countries to address their common challenges and explore further opportunities for the benefit of their citizens.
It said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigerien abroad, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, expressed his sincere thanks to his brother and Nigerian counterpart for his visit to Niamey.
"He requested him to convey the gratitude and appreciation of the President of the Republic, Head of State, Government, and people of Niger to the Government and people of Nigeria;
"His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar expressed his thanks to the Government and people of the Republic of Niger for the hospitality and warm welcome extended to him and his delegation and invited His Excellency Mr. BAKARY Yaou Sangaré to pay an official working visit to Nigeria. This invitation was warmly accepted, and the date will be communicated through diplomatic channels. Niamey, April 16, 2025."