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By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has addressed recent concerns raised by the President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, Abdourahman Tchiani.
In his statement, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to regional peace, stability, and constructive dialogue.
He stated: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria remains deeply committed to fostering peace and stability in West Africa.
“Our approach is rooted in dialogue and mutual respect, which are essential for sustainable solutions. We have no intention of taking actions that undermine the sovereignty or security of Niger.”
The Minister highlighted the shared history and ties between the two nations, and underscored the importance of maintaining harmony.
“As brothers and neighbors, Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural connections, reflected in our trade and economic interdependence. It is essential to avoid unfounded allegations that create unnecessary tension and threaten our collective progress,” he added.
To address the situation, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s stance:
“We reaffirm our respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully in alignment with ECOWAS principles.
“We welcome open and constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us for candid discussions to address mutual concerns.
“We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as collective support, to mitigate the humanitarian impact on our border communities.
“We call on regional and international partners to support reconciliation and stability efforts, avoiding actions that deepen divisions”, the Minister noted.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s adherence to diplomacy and mutual respect as guiding principles. “Nigeria’s approach is always guided by diplomacy and the pursuit of peace. We remain confident that through constructive engagement, we can forge a more prosperous and stable future for our people,” he concluded.
The statement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a champion of regional harmony while urging collaboration to address challenges and foster lasting peace.
