Nigeria’s foreign minister and his counterpart from Niger Republic met on Wednesday and both parties held talks on cross-border security, terrorism and economic cooperation.
The meeting was held amid tensions between the two neighbours since the July 2023 coup in Niger.
Earlier this month, Nigeria renewed calls for the release of Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, who is being detained at the presidential palace in Niamey.
A joint statement released by Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare reads, “The discussions took place in a climate of great cordiality and provided an opportunity to examine in depth the challenges facing the two countries.”
In a related development, the Federal Government has reduced electricity supply and sales to the Junta-ruled Niger Republic by 42 per cent, cutting it down from 80 megawatts to 46MW.
The measure has caused the country’s electricity production to fall by 30 to 50 per cent and forced state-owned power company Nigelec to impose planned power cuts that can last several days, especially in Niamey.
This was disclosed by Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, in an interview with AFP after complaints by its citizens and an improved adoption of solar energy sources.
Recall that Nigeria suspended much of its electricity exports to the West African nation as part of regional sanctions against the junta that toppled civilian President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
