African Union’s Impact on Nigeria and Niger Republic: Achievements, Challenges, and the Path to Enhanced Regional Integration and Development

A recent study by Rasheed, A. (2023) titled “African Union (AU) regional integration agenda and socio-economic development in West African sub-region: a study of Nigeria and Niger Republic” published in International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce by IJRECH shows that Africa Union integration agenda has achieved some positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

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African Union’s integration agenda positively impacts Nigeria and Niger, yet challenges persist, requiring strategic interventions – Rasheed, A. 2023

This article explores Africa Union regional integration and development in West Africa. The study also posits how the African Union (AU) promotes regional integration and socio-economic development in the West African sub-region, focusing on the case of Nigeria and Niger Republic. In addition, the study explores the achievements, challenges, and prospects of the AU integration agenda for the two countries.

Achievement of the AU Regional Integration Agenda for Nigeria and Niger Republic

The study shows that AU integration agenda has achieved some positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Nigeria and the Niger Republic. Some of the achievements are:

Trade and cooperation: The study shows that the two countries established the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation in March 1971 as a strategy towards promoting their socio-economic development. The commission has facilitated various bilateral relations that border on trade, industry, culture, education, and politics.

Security and stability: The study posits that Nigeria-Niger collaborated in addressing the security challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency and other terrorist groups in the region.

Infrastructure and connectivity: The author posits that Nigeria-Niger has embarked on several joint projects to improve their infrastructure and connectivity, such as the Kano-Maradi railway project, the Zinder refinery project, and the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline project. These projects are expected to boost trade, investment, energy supply and regional integration.

Challenges and Framework of the AU Regional Integration Agenda for Nigeria and Niger Republic

Lack of political will: The study argues that one of the main obstacles to effective trade and integration in Africa is the reluctance of some countries to liberalize their markets and adopt protectionist policies. This hinders the implementation of the AU’s commitments and resolutions at the national level.

Political instability and insecurity: The study explores how the resurgence of military coups especially in West Africa, poses a serious threat to the integration process and the objectives of the AU. The authors mention the cases of Sudan, Chad, Mali and Guinea as examples of countries that have experienced unconstitutional changes of government in recent years. The study also highlights the challenges of terrorism, insurgency, illicit trade and transnational crimes that affect the peace and stability of the region.

Underdeveloped infrastructure and limited intra-African trade: The study explores the poor state of infrastructure in Africa, such as roads, railways, electricity, and telecommunications, as a major impediment to the movement of goods, services, people and capital across the continent. The authors also point out that the level of intra-African trade is very low compared to other regions, due to the lack of complementarity and competitiveness of African exports, as well as the high trade barriers and costs.

Methodology

The study employed a qualitative research that utilised interview data from open-ended questionnaires. Which involves collecting data from participants and asking questions that allowed them to express their opinions, experiences, and perspectives on the topic of regional integration in Africa. The study employed sourced documents data to support the interview data and adopts the integration theory of international relations as a theoretical framework to explain and understand the formation, functioning, and outcomes of regional and economic blocs in Africa.

Findings of the Study

The study explores how the AU’s vision of promoting unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African states affects the two West African countries that share a long border and have similar colonial and cultural experiences. The authors find that there have been a lot of achievements in terms of political, religious, socio-cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Niger. The study also identifies major challenges that hinder the AU’s efforts to integrate the two countries and Africa at large. The authors propose a new framework for enhancing the regional integration of Nigeria and Niger based on functional cooperation and gradual integration.

Study Recommendations

The study, therefore, recommends the following in order to overcome the challenges and enhance the opportunities for AU regional integration agenda for Nigeria and Niger Republic are:

• Strengthen political will and commitment: The author suggests that the two countries should demonstrate strong political will and commitment to implement the AU policies and resolutions at the national level. They should also harmonize their trade and economic policies to facilitate regional integration and cooperation.
• Enhance intra-African trade and investment: The study posits that the countries should take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost their trade and investment with other African countries. They should also remove trade barriers and promote the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital across the region.
• Improve infrastructure and connectivity: This study suggests that the two countries should invest in improving their infrastructure and connectivity, such as roads, railways, ports, airports, energy, ICT, etc. This would reduce the cost of doing business, increase competitiveness, and foster regional integration and development.
• Promote cultural and social ties: The author points out that the countries should leverage their historical and cultural linkages to promote mutual understanding, trust and solidarity among their people. They should also enhance their cooperation in the areas of education, health, culture, sports, and tourism.

In conclusion, Rasheed’s comprehensive study sheds light on the significant strides made by the African Union’s integration agenda in fostering positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Nigeria and the Niger Republic. The achievements in trade, security collaboration, and joint infrastructure projects reflect the potential for regional growth. However, formidable challenges, such as political reluctance, instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure, loom large. The study advocates for a strengthened political will, enhanced intra-African trade, improved infrastructure, and a promotion of cultural ties as key measures to overcome obstacles and propel the AU’s regional integration agenda forward. Through a nuanced understanding of achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations, the study paves the way for a more cohesive and prosperous future for the interconnected nations of West Africa within the African Union framework.

AR Managing Editor (2023). African Union’s Impact on Nigeria and Niger Republic: Achievements, Challenges, and the Path to Enhanced Regional Integration and Development. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/african-unions-impact-on-nigeria-and-niger-republic-achievements-challenges-and-the-path-to-enhanced-regional-integration-and-development/