2 days Ago By Adejayan Gbenga Gsong
The Republic of Niger has introduced stringent immigration measures, effectively barring Nigerians traveling with ECOWAS passports from entering the country unless they possess a valid international passport. This development comes on the heels of Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, Nigerien authorities have begun enforcing these new restrictions at major crossings, including Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
Cross-border traders and commuters are also facing significant challenges as a result, with many being turned back due to the lack of recognition of ECOWAS passports as a valid means of identification. As quoted by Punch, Mansur Abdullah, a trader who frequently travels between the two countries, confirmed the development, stating, “I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of traveling here; they have started harassing us if we are entering the country. Some of our people are being turned back home.
We learnt that there is a new passport being issued now to everyone coming to Niger Republic to replace the old ECOWAS passport.” Border officials have also started turning back individuals relying solely on the ECOWAS passport, with some travelers already being sent back home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travelers.
Commercial drivers, such as Abubakar Isa, have alleged that security officials in Niger are exploiting the situation to extort travelers. “They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA before allowing those with an ECOWAS passport to pass. If you can’t produce Niger’s new identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe,” he was quoted as saying.
While Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS has not had an immediate impact on trade or movement across the border, affected travelers fear that the situation could worsen, disrupting trade and movement across the border. The ECOWAS Commission has stated it is unaware of Niger Republic’s policy to bar ECOWAS passport holders. Head of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, revealed this according to Punch.
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