As part of celebrations for the nation's Independence Day, the Niger Republic honored some Nigerians on Wednesday.

There isn't a single Southerner on the list of well-known citizens, though.

Two of President Muhammadu Buhari's aides, two businessmen, and two governors are among the honorees.

They are Amb. Lawal Kazaure, State Chief of Protocol, and Sarki Abba, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Household and Domestic Affairs).

The businessmen are Abdulsamad Rabi'u, president of the BUA Group, and Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group.

The state governors honored are Mohammed Bello Matawalle of Zamfara and Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa.

All of them received the Great Master of National Awards and the Order of Merit of Niger.

President Mohammed Bazoum stated that Nigeria was one of his nation's most important neighbors and friends.

Bazoum said the “Brother Nigerians” made great strides in increasing understanding between the two nations and are agents of social and economic development.

Abubakar Bagudu, Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Chairman and Kebbi Governor, attended the event.

Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said the awards were in recognition of the recipients’ roles in the promotion of better relations between the countries.