This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Vice President.

The statement said Osinbajo made the remark at the weekend in Niamey, Niger, at the inauguration of President Issoufou Mahamadou for a second term in office.

According to Osinbajo the re-election of the Nigerien leader is significant for the sub-regional coalition against insurgents and terrorists.

He said: ``As you know, Niger is an important partner, and also an important ally in the war against terrorism and we are good neighbours,” he said.

Mahamadou’s investiture has great significance because Nigeria understands him well.

``He is an old hand and Nigeria has worked well with him as a partner.

``So, his re-election brings continuity and is good for the fight against Boko Haram and the insurgency in general.”

Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the ceremony, said that Nigeria hold the Nigerien President in high esteem.

``He is an old friend of President Buhari who is abroad attending the nuclear security summit in Washington DC, which is why he could not attend this event,” he said.

The VP added that the inauguration of the Nigerien President was also an opportunity to honour a strong ally and “to reinforce all our important diplomatic and military ties.”

In his inauguration address, President Mahamadou noted that concern over insecurity is global, transcending boundaries.

He restated Niger’s renewed commitment to join forces with Nigeria and other neighbours to fight insurgency at the sub-regional level.

The Nigerien President explained that defeating Boko Haram had several benefits particularly for economic integration in the region, adding that it would facilitate trade between Niger and Nigeria.

No fewer than representatives from 52 countries witnessed the ceremony including nine presidents from West Africa.