Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have agreed to strengthen their socio-economic and security co-operation to restore peace and progress of their people.
The two countries reached the agreement during the Nigerien President, Alhaji Mohamed Bazoum’s official visit to Nigeria.
Addressing State House correspondents afterwards, President Bazoum acknowledged Nigeria’s role in the war against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities common to countries in Sahel Region.
He said the Republic of Niger would be willing to follow Nigeria’s lead in dealing with banditry in the same manner with which Boko Haram was subdued.
President Bazoum noted that the heinous activities of bandits were life-threatening, warning that if a unified approach was not taken to subdue bandits, they could overrun the entire region.
He expressed delight at the commencement of the rail line laying from Kano to Maradi, and appealed to Nigeria to also extend the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline to Niger Republic.
President Buhari had treated his Nigerien counterpart and his entourage to a lunch, before their departure.
BELLO WAKILI