By Joy Odor
Nigeria and Niger Republic have strengthened their bilateral cooperation through the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC).
The countries’ Foreign Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Mr. Bakary Sangaré, signed a communiqué in Niamey, Niger’s capital, reaffirming their commitment to deepen ties in economy and security.
Key Areas of Cooperation
– *Economic Cooperation*: Improving cross-border trade, market links, and energy infrastructure development.
– *Security*: Countering terrorism along their shared border and maintaining collaboration between defense ministries.
– *Infrastructure Development*: Reviewing joint projects, including:
– *Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi Railway*
– *Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline*
– *Trans-Saharan Highway*
– *Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Project*
– *Socio-Political and Cultural Cooperation*: Expanding cooperation across various spheres and consolidating existing gains.
Future Plans
– Revitalizing the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
– Establishing a Joint Consultative Forum to address shared challenges and opportunities.
– Promoting regional integration and strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
He explained that the meeting focused on discussions to examine the challenges facing both countries and addressed major current issues at the sub-regional, regional, and international levels.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of the economy and security.
The two ministers also deliberated on various issues of mutual interest aimed at fostering closer relations between the people and governments of Niger and Nigeria.
They emphasised the importance of continued joint efforts to counter terrorism along their shared border and agreed to maintain collaboration between their respective defence ministries.
