By Ameh Gabriel
Nigeria and the Niger Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in economic development and regional security following a strategic meeting between their foreign ministers in Niamey.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, met with his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, on Wednesday to discuss pressing bilateral and regional matters. The meeting centered on enhancing cross-border trade, reinforcing security coordination, and advancing key infrastructure projects connecting both nations.
The ministers emphasized the need for continued cooperation in combating terrorism and insecurity along their shared border. They agreed to maintain joint military coordination and intelligence-sharing through their respective defence ministries.
Economic discussions focused on strengthening trade routes and market access, particularly through the advancement of transnational infrastructure. Projects reviewed include the Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the Trans-Saharan Highway, and the Fiber Optic Network—all central to boosting connectivity and regional integration.
Both sides also pledged to revitalize the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) and proposed the creation of a Joint Consultative Forum aimed at fostering sustained dialogue among political, economic, and civil society stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with an invitation extended to Mr. Sangaré for a reciprocal visit to Nigeria, with dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
The diplomatic engagement underscores the strong historical and fraternal ties between the two West African countries, as they work together to address shared challenges and promote mutual prosperity.
