Assessment of Nigeria-Niger Republic Economic Cooperation: Constraints and Benefits

Nigeria and Niger are neighbours in West Africa with similar culture, religion and language along their borderline. Since the independence of both countries, Niger has been a loyal neighbour and ally to Nigeria, but their relations was perceived to be beneficial to Niger alone. The attention that the government of Nigeria gave to Niger from 2015 to 2022 raised issues in the polity as Nigerians sought justification for the economic cooperation, its benefits to Nigerians, and the economy of Nigeria. This paper assesses the economic cooperation between Nigeria and Niger from 2015 to 2022, and considers the challenges and benefits of the economic cooperation. Using the Economic Interdependency Theory, the paper discusses the economic cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, their economic interdependency, and the rationale for the involvement of Nigeria in the economic development of Niger. Consolidating on the ECOWAS mandate and good neighbourliness foreign policy, the government of Nigeria between 2015 to 2022 improved economic cooperation with Niger majorly as a long-term investment for Nigeria and Nigerians, especially for those residing in the Border States. The paper argues that contrary to assumptions, both countries have had economic cooperation as depicted in their agreements and cooperation since the 1970s. From 2015 to 2022, both countries cooperated in areas such as transportation (rail line and road construction), oil and gas, and aid/support. The paper concludes that there are challenges to continued economic cooperation between both countries which include porous border, and poor consultation with stakeholders. The recommendation of this paper is continued involvement of stakeholders and the people for beneficial cooperation. Subsequent governments should build on the economic cooperation to promote the ECOWAS mandate.