Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Visits Niger Amid Ongoing Bilateral Tensions

Edited by : Widad WAHBI

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar met with his Nigerien counterpart Yaou Sangaré Bakary on Wednesday in Niamey, amid ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries following the military coup in Niger in July 2023.

This marks the second official visit by a senior Nigerian official since the coup, following Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa’s trip to Niamey in August 2023, where he held talks with General Moussa Salao Barmou on military cooperation.

According to a joint statement released after the meeting, the discussions took place in “a spirit of great cordiality”, and provided an opportunity to deeply examine shared challenges and current affairs at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.

The talks primarily focused on economic cooperation and cross-border security. Key projects discussed included the planned railway linking the Nigerian cities of Kano, Katsina, and Jibiya to Maradi in Niger, scheduled to begin operation in 2026.

Other topics included the construction of the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, and issues related to customs duties and taxation. The ministers also raised concerns over the persistent threat of terrorism along the border regions, which they described as a serious obstacle to the implementation of development programs in both countries.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Nigeria and Niger to maintain dialogue and explore avenues for cooperation, despite underlying political and security tensions.