Niger Republic is seeking greater access to Nigerian ports and trade corridors as prolonged diplomatic tensions with neighbouring Benin Republic continue to disrupt its traditional routes for international commerce.
The landlocked West African country is looking to deepen cooperation with Nigeria to facilitate legitimate imports and exports and ease the economic pressure caused by disruptions along key regional corridors.
The development followed a recent visit by a delegation from the Nigerien Customs Service to the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja, where discussions focused on trade facilitation and Nigeria’s support for Niger’s international trade needs.
Speaking during the meeting, Abdoulaye Vincent, Comptroller of Nigerien Customs in Dosso, called for stronger cooperation between the customs authorities of both countries.
Vincent said insecurity along routes through Burkina Faso and Togo, coupled with the diplomatic dispute with Benin Republic, had significantly affected trade.
“The insecurity along the Burkina Faso and Togo routes, as well as the prevailing diplomatic situation with Benin Republic, had disrupted trade. We therefore appealed for increased legitimate exports through Kamba to boost revenue and ease economic hardship for communities along the corridor and beyond.”
Niger’s renewed interest in Nigerian trade routes comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with Benin following the July 2023 military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Niger’s military authorities accused Benin of supporting efforts to destabilise the junta, an allegation Benin denied.
Tensions increased after Benin President Patrice Talon supported the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) position calling for the restoration of Bazoum.
Niger subsequently closed its border with Benin, and the dispute continued even after ECOWAS lifted sanctions imposed on Niger in February 2024.
The border restrictions have had serious economic implications for Niger, which depends heavily on neighbouring countries for access to international markets because it is landlocked.
Before the dispute, Niger relied significantly on Benin’s Port of Cotonou as a major gateway for international trade.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated further following a failed coup attempt in Benin in December 2025, amid suspicions in some quarters that Niger may have been involved.
Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani subsequently accused former Beninese President Patrice Talon, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara of allegedly orchestrating an Islamic State attack on Niamey airport. The accused parties have not been reported as accepting the allegations.
On Christmas Day in 2025, Tiani also accused Benin of providing a rear base for terrorists.
The diplomatic dispute later affected security cooperation, with both countries taking measures against diplomatic and security personnel. Benin expelled an intelligence agent and a police officer attached to Niger’s embassy in Cotonou, while Niger declared Benin’s first counsellor in Niamey persona non grata.
Economic relations were also affected.
Benin blocked oil exports in 2024, after which Niger reportedly shut pipeline valves, further worsening the dispute and affecting economic cooperation between the neighbours.
The strained relations also disrupted joint efforts to tackle jihadist groups operating across parts of the Sahel.
However, there have been indications of a possible improvement in relations since Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated as President of Benin on May 24, 2026.
The new Beninese administration has signalled an interest in rebuilding trust and reopening dialogue with Niger.
Despite the possibility of a diplomatic thaw, analysts say the prolonged disruption has become a major economic liability for both countries.
For Niger, stronger access to Nigerian ports could provide an alternative route for international trade while reducing its dependence on the Beninese corridor.
For Nigeria, increased trade through its ports and border corridors could strengthen economic ties with its northern neighbour, increase customs revenue and boost commercial activity along the Nigeria-Niger trade corridor.
