Togo/Niger : The Autonomous Port of Lomé serving the brotherly people of Niger
Following the closure of land borders between Benin and Niger, in compliance with ECOWAS sanctions, the Nigerien people had no opportunity to transit their goods through the Autonomous Port of Cotonou.
Togo showed solidarity with its struggling neighboring country by offering its maritime space for goods transit. However, in the face of the Benin authorities’ reversal on the matter, Niger remained indifferent, urging economic operators to continue using the channels they have relied on since the sanctions were imposed.
Today, Togo and Niger seek to continue in this direction, given the neighboring country’s decision to definitively separate from the sub-regional community. Niger is seeking to secure access to the sea through Togo, a decision highlighted during a ministerial delegation visit to Lomé.
According to reports, discussions between this Nigerien ministerial delegation and Togolese authorities responsible for maritime economy focused on modalities to allow Nigerien goods to transit through the Autonomous Port of Lomé.
Togo, on its part, affirmed its commitment to facilitating trade and transit of goods for Niger, demonstrating the Togolese authorities’ willingness to strengthen regional cooperation and support Niger in overcoming geographical isolation.
This collaboration between Niger and Togo aims to promote smooth and efficient trade exchanges, essential for the economic development of both countries. It also underscores the importance of regional solidarity in the face of common challenges.
The Nigerien ministerial delegation also took the opportunity to encourage investments in the Lomé-Ouaga-Niamey corridor to reduce transportation costs.
