A senior Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar met with officials from the Republic of Niyaminiger on Wednesday, April 16, to carry out a major diplomatic effort to restore relations between the two neighbors.
The visit marks a major shift in Nigeria’s interactions with Niger, whose interactions have been tense since the military coup in July 2023.
Tugga arrived in Niyami on Tuesday, April 15 to send a special message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from President Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of state of the Republic of Niger. The delegation included senior diplomats, policy advisers and defense liaison officers. Daily Trust learned that discussions during the visit focused on security cooperation, regional trade, infrastructure projects and the joint Nigeria-Niger committee (NNJC).
The joint communiqué issued by the two countries described the discussion as cordial and comprehensive, addressing significant bilateral, subregional and international concerns. Key topics include operating cross-border markets, trans-Saharan gas pipeline, Kano-Katsina-Jibiya-Maradi railway, and other economic cooperation such as tourism, agriculture and ICT. Both sides agreed to cooperate through the NNJC and proposed a common consulting forum to address common challenges.
Ministers acknowledged the deep brotherly relations between their countries and reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and good neighbors. They specifically cite terrorism along the border as a serious obstacle to development and call on their Ministry of Defense to maintain security cooperation. The two countries also agreed to strengthen political, economic and cultural exchanges and hold regular meetings of the Committee of Experts and the NNJC Ministerial Committee.
Sources from the Nigerian Foreign Ministry told the Daily Trust that the move is part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to regional peace through dialogue. However, another source close to these developments shows that Niger initially extended out of Nigeria, despite its distance from public knowledge. “The Nigerian side took action but did not want it in the news. Just like what happened when they had a fuel crisis a few weeks ago, they ran to Nigeria, where Nigeria secretly rescued it.”
Former Nigerian ambassador Suleiman Dahiru welcomed the development and described it as necessary. He said: “The delegation of Nigeria was sent to Niger to discuss with the authorities in Niger, which could be a way to restore good relations between the two countries and possibly extend to Ecowas.
Ambassador Dashiru criticized the interaction that led to the breakdown of the links, pointing to the closure of borders and post-business sanctions under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He said: “When a coup occurred, both sides took action and did not lead to friendship. The authorities in the Niger Republic believe that despite years of relationships, Nigeria is too difficult for them. That’s why we got here.”
He refused to say that Nigeria “begged” for peace. “To me, Nigeria is not begging. All Nigeria has to do is discuss this initiative with the authorities there by going to Niger. Now, the authorities in Niger can think and find a solution.” He added: “In fact, frankly, the Niger Republic should be the one who sent a delegation to Nigeria. But Nigeria decided to go to them. So now they have to seriously consider whether this hostile relationship should continue.”
The meeting is the latest in a series of diplomatic efforts since the coup in Niger in July 2023. Nigeria has previously appointed former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar as a mediator while continuing to work on joint infrastructure projects and cross-border security.
Diplomatic rifts have brought substantial economic and social consequences. Niger’s fuel shortages cut off illegal but critical supply after Nigeria’s fuel subsidies were lifted. Meanwhile, border closures disrupted trade and strained the economy of border communities that shared racial and cultural ties.
On the political side, Niger withdrew from ECOWAS with Mali and Burkina Faso in January 2025, dispersing the group and weakening regional cooperation. These countries established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which added complexity, especially when the group moved from Ecowas to the new international alliance.
Security cooperation has also been compromised. The lack of joint operations and intelligence sharing has weakened the fight against the Lake Chad Basin insurgents, and the Borno State has experienced numerous attacks.
The Nigerian government accused Nigeria of colluding with France and undermining its borders after the recent horror incident. Experts say that due to long-term partnerships such as the Joint Working Group on the Transnational National Working Group (MNJTF), experts say that restoring mutual trust is key to responding to regional threats.
The AES Group’s departure from Ecowas stems from sanctions and perceived pro-Western bias against the Group, especially dissatisfaction with France. The AES state accused Ecowas of failing to support their fight against terrorism, but rather undermining their sovereignty. They reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Africa towards a hub of alternative alliances (e.g. with Russia).
Ecowas tried to tinker with the relationship, appointing Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ghanaian President John Mahama as mediators. Despite some progress, Ecowas’ diplomatic attitude has not yet made any breakthrough.
Tinubu’s leadership emphasizes democratic norms and constitutional order, both expressing praise and criticism. Some experts believe that Nigeria’s firm stance lacks diplomatic flexibility.
As Niger and Nigeria advance from months of tensions, the results of these renegotiations will test the resilience of their long-term partnerships and identify the future of cohesion in West Africa.
