By Fatima Saka
Abuja — Nigeria and Mali have agreed to convene a Joint Commission aimed at revitalising dormant bilateral agreements, with a strong focus on security cooperation, trade, energy, and aviation ties.
The decision was reached during a diplomatic meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Malian Ambassador to Nigeria, Oumar Coulibaly, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the planned Joint Commission as a critical platform for reactivating bilateral agreements, noting that both countries share common goals despite evolving regional dynamics in the Sahel.
She emphasised the urgency of enhanced military collaboration to tackle rising insecurity in the Sahel region, driven by terrorism and banditry. The minister added that cooperation would also extend to trade, energy, irregular migration, human trafficking, and the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
“This meeting is long overdue. Nigeria and Mali share common objectives and goals. We need to deepen bilateral relations,” she said.
The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to maintaining strong ties with Mali, regardless of recent geopolitical developments involving Sahel states. According to her, sustained engagement is essential for regional stability and economic integration.
Highlighting energy as a key area of collaboration, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over Mali’s energy challenges, noting that Nigeria is willing to support efforts to improve supply. She also underscored the importance of promoting ease of movement and strengthening people-to-people connections.
On regional security, the minister called for broader participation and a structured security framework to address threats across the Sahel, adding that such cooperation would enhance peace and stability in West Africa.
She further conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to Mali over recent rebel attacks that claimed the life of its Defence Minister earlier this year.
In his remarks, Ambassador Coulibaly described Nigeria as a “big brother” and reaffirmed Mali’s commitment to sustaining bilateral relations despite challenges at the regional level. He advocated for a political dialogue ahead of the Joint Commission to address shared concerns, particularly in security and human trafficking.
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The envoy also announced that, under the BASA arrangement, Nigerian carrier Air Peace will commence flight operations between Lagos and Bamako later this month, marking a significant step in boosting connectivity and economic ties between both countries.
The planned Joint Commission is expected to provide a structured framework for strengthening cooperation and advancing mutual interests between Nigeria and Mali.
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