Nigerians with ECOWAS passports will be barred from entering Niger Republic unless they have a valid international passport.
According to Punch, the restriction follows Niger’s recent decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite keeping its border with Nigeria open, Niger’s immigration officials at crossings like Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger) now refuse to accept the ECOWAS passport.
Many travelers and traders are facing challenges as authorities are demanding a different form of identification.
Reports indicate that Niger has introduced a new national passport for visitors, leading to fears among cross-border traders about the impact on business.
Some Nigerian travelers claimed that security officials in Niger exploit the situation, allegedly demanding bribes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 CFA for passage.
Although trade and movement remain largely unaffected, uncertainty looms.
Rumours revealed that Niger’s military junta might impose further travel restrictions, such as limiting motorcycle movement between the two countries.
Reacting to the development, ECOWAS officials said they are unaware of Niger’s new policy.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS due to political tensions and disagreements with the regional bloc.
After military coups in these countries, ECOWAS imposed sanctions and suspended their memberships, which the leaders saw as unfair and punitive.
They also accused ECOWAS of failing to support them adequately in addressing security challenges, believing they could handle their affairs better outside the bloc.
The three nations have been strengthening ties under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming for greater autonomy in political and security matters.
They also see ECOWAS as being influenced by Western powers, particularly France, and argued that its decisions often serve foreign interests rather than regional stability.
