A high-level diplomatic meeting has been held between Nigeria and Niger, with the Foreign ministers of both countries engaging in discussions on cross-border security, terrorism, and economic cooperation.
A statement released on April 16 following the talks confirmed that discussions had been conducted in a “climate of great cordiality” and had allowed for a comprehensive exchange on the pressing challenges affecting both nations. Key concerns included the persistent threat of terrorism along their shared borders, which was described as a major hindrance to the successful implementation of development projects. Allegations by Niger that Nigeria has supported destabilising foreign forces were denied by Abuja, which reiterated that no such activities, including the presence of foreign troops in northern Nigeria, were taking place.
The talks were convened despite ongoing tensions since the July 2023 coup in Niger, during which President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and has since remained under strict detention at the presidential palace in Niamey.
The visit by Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to meet his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangaré, marked only the second by a senior Nigerian official since the coup.
On the economic front, several regional infrastructure projects were reviewed, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway line scheduled for completion in 2026. Other topics included progress on the Trans-Sahara Highway and the planned Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Taxation and customs coordination were also addressed. The talks occurred against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, with Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali having recently withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s response to growing terrorist threats in the region.