Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Visits Niger, Says “We’re Brothers” Despite Post-2023 Coup Sanctions on Niger

Nigeria and Niger Republic have announced the resumption of bilateral cooperation, following months of tension sparked by a military coup in Niamey and sanctions imposed by the Nigerian Government under President Bola Tinubu as the chair of ECOWAS.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar arrived in the Nigerien capital on Wednesday, becoming the first senior Nigerian government official to visit the country since the July 26, 2023 coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. His visit follows that of Nigeria’s military Chief of Staff in August 2023, during the height of the crisis.

Tuggar was received by his Nigerien counterpart, Bakari Yao Sangare. In a joint briefing after their meeting, the Nigerian minister emphasised unity and non-aggression.

Nigeria does not intend to destabilize Niger… We are brothers who are destined to live together, he said.

Talks between the two nations covered critical issues, including trade, cross-border security, and infrastructure development. According to both parties, discussions occurred in a “positive atmosphere,” with mutual satisfaction expressed over the revival of diplomatic dialogue.

The talks likely focused on the reopening of key cross-border markets connecting northern Nigeria to Niger’s agricultural hubs in Maradi and Zinder. Energy cooperation was also a probable topic, especially amid Niger’s acute electricity shortages—a fallout from Nigeria’s earlier sanctions that included cutting power supplies.

The high-level dialogue also revived discussions around major infrastructure projects, such as the Nigeria–Niger–Algeria gas pipeline and the Maradi–Kano railway, expected to be completed by 2026.

Relations between the West African neighbours soured dramatically after the 2023 coup, with Nigeria—then chairing the regional bloc ECOWAS—leading the imposition of harsh sanctions on Niger.

These included border closures, energy cuts, economic restrictions, and threats of military intervention aimed at pressuring the military government to reinstate civilian rule.

Recall that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Their withdrawal comes after the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), which seeks to enhance integration within the Sahel region.

Recently the CSS comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced the introduction of a 0.5 per cent tariff on imports from non-member countries to finance its regional integration efforts.

According to a statement, Tuggar invited Sangaré to pay a working visit to Nigeria which the latter accepted. However, a date for the visit will be communicated through diplomatic channels.

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