The hope of direct flight between Nigeria and Niger Republic may be on the scored card given the agreement reached by both countries at the end of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation’s 40th Session of the Council of Ministers meeting held in Abuja.
Both countries Tuesday evening endorsed the agreement for the implementation of developmental strategies between both countries.
The strategies were put together by experts from both countries.
The experts committee met last month in Sokoto to finalise the strategies which was presented to the ministers.
The implementation of the developmental strategies would lead to establishment of direct flight between both countries.
Other areas of agreement also include agriculture, environment, mining, energy, transport, amongst others.
Minister of States Foreign Affairs from both countries signed the agreement. Ambassador Zubairu Dada of Nigeria and Madame Attaka Zaharotou Abubakar of Niger Republic signed the documents for their respective country.
The duo called for immediate implementation of all the programmes as agreed.
The session is holding exactly five years after the last meeting in Niamey, Niger Republic.
Dada in his remark called for the sustainance of all the developmental initiatives between the two countries.
He said this should be done for the greater good of the people and the two countries.
The minister had earlier lamented the lack of direct flight between both countries, saying it remains a source of concern.
He therefore hope that the 40th session will come up with modalities for the implementation of all the agreements.
The two ministers condemned the escalation of insecurity in the country, especially the killings of over 40 rice farmers.
On her part, Nigerian Foreign Minister of state haped on the need to respect all the agreement and also implement them.
Madame Abubakar who had chair the meeting later handed over to her Nigeria counterpart .
The Secretary General of the joint development commission, Amb. Rabiu Akawu said the rail project between the two countries is capable of generating 30 million tonnes of trade annually.
Mr. Anthony Nnamdi Alonwu, Acting Director, African Sub-Regional Organization Division, Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs read the communique issued at the end of the session.
