Niger Republic honours six Nigerians highest civilian awards, for their roles in promoting better relations between the two neighbouring countries, on Wednesday.

The awardees include Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group; Alhaji Abdussamd Rabiu; Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State; the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu and Governors Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘Six Nigerians get Niger Republic’s highest civilian honours.

“The award ceremony was to mark the nation’s independence from France in 1960 and since 1975 has been recognised as “tree planting day” as trees are planted across the nation to aid the fight against desertification.

“In giving the awards, Niger’s President Mohammed Bazoum said his country cherished Nigeria as one of its closest neighbours and friends.

“In various citations read by the country’s leader, Bazoum praised the efforts of “brother Nigerians” who had made great strides in increasing understanding between the two nations and for acting as agents of social and economic development.”

Wakadaily earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari donated N1.4 billion to Niger Republic in help to fight insecurity.