Togo : Niger explores access opportunities to the autonomous port of Lomé
As part of initiatives to strengthen its resilience against multiple sanctions from ECOWAS, Niger has repeatedly turned to Togo, which continues to express solidarity.
Following its withdrawal from ECOWAS, Niger is exploring access possibilities to the Autonomous Port of Lomé. This was the objective of a Nigerien delegation’s visit to Lomé on February 13. On this occasion, the delegation held discussions with the Minister of Maritime Economy, Edem Kokou Tengue, regarding proposals and solutions to facilitate the transportation of Nigerien goods via the port of Lomé.
For landlocked countries in the Sahel region like Niger, access to the sea via the port of Lomé remains an important issue, especially in light of possible changes in trade dynamics in the sub-region, following the announcement by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso of their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
« The sister Republic of Togo has already done a lot, and we thank them for it. Thanks to Togo, since July 26, the Nigerien population continues to be supplied », stated Colonel-Major Salissou Mahman Salissou, Niger’s Minister of Transport and Equipment, following the meeting. « However, a number of concerns have been raised by economic operators through the Chamber of Commerce, notably the issue of treatment at a certain level of the corridor and the security problem. Instructions will be given to subordinate structures to reflect and propose solutions that will be adopted for the well-being of our populations », he added.
With cooperation between Lomé and Niamey in good standing, Togo is willing to facilitate exchanges with Nigerien authorities, a member of the AES (Economic Community of West African States), as well as with other trading partners.
According to Edem Kokou Tengue, « This is a meeting that stems from the highest authorities’ willingness in our country to streamline the passage of goods, not only for imports but also for exports, through the port of Lomé for the brotherly people of Niger, to allow the economies of both countries to function smoothly ».
The Nigerien ministerial delegation also took the opportunity to encourage investments in the Lomé-Ouaga-Niamey corridor to reduce transportation costs. It was also an opportunity for them to visit the port of Lomé, including the installations and equipment of Lomé Container Terminal and Lomé Terminal.
