The fast deteriorating relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic is drawing concerns from Nigerian experts in international diplomacy and foreign relations as the two neighbouring countries remain locked in diplomatic spat.
The experts warned of enormous consequences for both countries if they continue with this strained relations and its impact on their citizens in varied sectors.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sunday yesterday, a retired ambassador and former permanent secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Uhomoibhi, said the behaviour of Niger was predicated on the fact that the junta expected Nigeria to show empathy to the precarious situation in Niger and at least offer it some support instead of the threat and sanctions Nigeria led ECOWAS to impose on it.
He, however, noted that Niger was whipping up sentiments to draw sympathy because of Nigeria’s growing relations with other countries in the region and France, which the Junta leaders believe is threatening their interests.
He advised the Nigerian government to be more “engaging and play the role of a leader” in the sub region, adding that due the historical affinity between both countries “it is in the best interest of Nigeria to be more circumspect when dealing with issues around Niger.”
“Nigeria must show empathy towards Niger, they are facing serious challenges of democracy even if they are not going about it the democratic way,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Christian Okeke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, with specialisation in international Relations, said ordinarily, well-meaning Nigerians do not see any reason their country and Niger Republic should have strained relations, bearing in mind the cultural and historical affinity shared by the two neighbours.
He said the Niger Republic had commendably demonstrated bold commitment to extricating herself from the neo-colonial exploitation by her former Western colonial master, France.
“No matter how anyone looks at it, the country has taken firm steps to chart a new and prosperous future which it considers to be in her best interest.
“It is rather unfortunate that this action appears to have unsettled political leaders of Nigeria, and curiously done harm to their parochial, if not personal interest, particularly the exit of Niger Republic from the Economic Community of West African States which has now been officially recognised by the association to formally take effect from January 29, 2025.
“Judging by the ill-fated effort by Nigeria to mobilise the sub-regional bloc to invade Niger Republic following her military rule and eventual pull out from ECOWAS, as well as Nigeria’s new-found love with France, Niger Republic is right to suspect that Nigeria is out to superintendent over her destabilization.”
He noted that the effects are felt in strained diplomatic and security relations between the neighbours, even as he called for caution.
The public intellectual warned that any escalation of tension should be avoided by the leadership of the two countries, particularly Nigeria which currently battles with harsh political and economic conditions, and deserves no further aggravation of these conditions.
“It is imperative for Nigeria to accept that the decisions made by the Niger Republic regarding her relations with France did no harm to the survival of Nigeria.
“Foreign policy makers in Nigeria must do everything possible not to put the policy of good neighborliness in jeopardy through display of stark ignorance of international relations,” he said.
Dr. Okeke, who also teaches Nigerian Foreign Policy, and African Politics emphasized that Niger Republic is not an extension of Nigeria but a sovereign state, stressing that none of its foreign actions is directly targeted at Nigeria and the latter has nothing to lose in the advancement of her neighbour and its citizens.
“The sub region deserves stability. That Niger Republic has scored her benefits from ECOWAS low and decided to pull out to achieve national survival should be something that should excite and not irk the sub-region into playing the role of saboteur.
“After all, the regional body had failed to help Niger Republic attain greatness within the international system since 1975.”
Also contributing, an International Constitutional law expert, Livingstone Wechie said the “diplomatic fireworks between Niger and Nigeria is not helpful to the wanton fragility that has harmed the growth in the region. The Nigerian government must play the big brother role steadily to ensure sustainable peace in the region.
“Whereas the allegations by Niger to the effect that Nigeria is conniving with France to destabilize Niger is weighty, it advocated that evidence must be furnished by the accuser knowing that he who alleges must prove.”
He added that the undisputed fact is that there is a breakdown of trust between both states and this is most unwarranted at this time. The respective states, he said must be Patriotic enough not to give room for any foreign instigation of regional instability which will work against collective growth and development following the reported
“It is unfortunate enough that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the ECOWAS bloc, it must be emphasised that no state can develop without collaboration.
“Whilst unconstitutional changes of government are condemned which resurgence has caused grave democratic decline in the continent, unconstitutional and undemocratic governments must be confronted with consequences by supporting popular citizen’s participation to determine their democratic future and development,” he noted.
He pointed out West Africa and its leadership must ensure not to play into the hands of the global West adding that the blame game is not the best strategy for development today.
“The current brickbats between the independent states are a scripted distraction that always gives our detractors the inroad to beset the region just to promote poverty and underdevelopment. The region must devise a strong diplomatic means of rebuilding trustworthiness and redeeming the fatal compromises that made the ECOWAS block and indeed the continent ostensibly vulnerable to the West. This will help to entrench a vision driven future with utmost intentionality and Patriotic zeal,” he added.