Kaduna — Former Director-General of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO), Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, has advised the Federal Government to show more interest in the affairs of Niger Republic, saying any breakdown of law and order in that country will have consequences in Nigeria.

Shinkafi , who is also the Marafan Sokoto, gave the advice in a statement in Kaduna, adding that the Federal Government should remain fully engaged and involved with the government of President Mamadou Tandja, not only at multilateral, but most especially at bilateral level.

He insisted that the "element of one people divided by a colonialboundary" and the reality of economic and commercial relationship along a common border, including sharing the resources of the River Niger, shows that Nigeria needs to closely observe Niger's affairs.

Shinkafi, who agreed that while the action within the ECOWAS framework was valid and well-taken in fulfillment of international requirements, however added that there is a "distinct Nigeria-Niger perspective" which demands that Nigeria remains fully engaged with the government of Niger under a policy of assisting thepeople to run their affairs.

This, according to him, should be in a manner that accommodates both themselves and their neighbours andensures that the national politics of Niger does not overheat.

In reviewing the political antecedents of President Tandja, Shinkafi said the Federal Government should assist the country so thatit can conclude its multi-billion dollar projects which include the construction of the country's first oil refinery, a major dam on River Niger, development of uranium mining and related infrastructure.