Nigeria and Niger’s foreign ministers met on Wednesday to discuss cross-border security, terrorism, and economic cooperation, despite lingering tensions between the neighbours since the July 2023 coup in Niger.
The talks come shortly after Nigeria renewed its call for the release of Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum, who remains under strict detention at the presidential palace in Niamey.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar visited Niamey for discussions with his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangare—marking only the second high-level Nigerian visit since the coup, following Defence Chief General Christopher Musa’s trip in August.
“The discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity to examine in depth the challenges facing the two countries,” the ministers said in a joint statement.
Top on the agenda was the threat of terrorism along their shared borders, which the ministers described as “a real obstacle to the effective implementation of all development programmes.”
On the economic front, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to key infrastructure projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway line, slated for completion in 2026. They also reviewed progress on the Trans-Sahara Highway and the proposed Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, in addition to cooperation on customs and taxation.
The talks come at a time of shifting regional dynamics. Earlier this year, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), criticising the bloc’s handling of jihadist violence.
Now governed by military juntas, the three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States, distancing themselves from France and aligning more closely with Russia.
