In a key diplomatic gesture, Nigeria and Niger have reopened high-level dialogue, signalling cautious efforts to rebuild trust and cooperation following Niger’s 2023 military coup.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar held talks in Niamey with his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangare, in only the second visit by a senior Nigerian official since President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted from power. The meeting marks a renewed attempt by both sides to navigate regional turbulence and re-establish vital cross-border collaboration.
“The talks were held in a climate of mutual respect and deepened understanding,” the two ministers said in a joint statement. They noted that the discussions allowed for an “in-depth examination” of common threats and shared development goals.
Security Threats Top the Agenda
At the heart of the talks was the deteriorating security situation along the Nigeria-Niger border, where extremist violence has escalated in recent months. Both countries agreed that terrorism remains a critical barrier to economic progress and the safety of civilians.
Officials discussed measures to strengthen security coordination, including intelligence-sharing and joint border surveillance, aimed at curbing attacks by insurgent groups operating across the region.
Regional Projects Back in Focus
The ministers also revisited key economic initiatives, most notably the railway linking Nigeria’s Kano and Katsina states to Niger’s Maradi, a project due for completion by 2026. The rail line is seen as a lifeline for trade and connectivity in West Africa’s interior corridor.
Talks also touched on the Trans-Sahara Highway and the proposed Trans-Saharan gas pipeline—both of which have faced delays but remain central to long-term integration plans across the Sahel and North Africa. Issues related to customs and taxation were raised as both countries look to streamline cross-border trade and revenue collection.
A Region in Realignment
The meeting comes as West Africa undergoes significant political shifts. Earlier this year, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso formally withdrew from ECOWAS, citing frustration with the bloc’s inability to contain the growing jihadist threat. The three military-led governments have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional pact built on collective defence and sovereignty.
Nigeria, which has remained in ECOWAS, continues to call for the release of President Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the coup. While his detention was not the main focus of the visit, it remains a sticking point in bilateral ties.
The Road Ahead
With tensions still simmering, this diplomatic engagement marks a tentative but significant step toward re-establishing regional cooperation. For Nigeria and Niger, both grappling with insecurity and economic headwinds, the path forward will depend on whether dialogue can be translated into durable, on-the-ground outcomes.
As security challenges mount and alliances shift, all eyes are on how these neighbours navigate the delicate balance between sovereignty, stability, and solidarity in the heart of the Sahel.