The military government of the Niger Republic headed by General Abdourahamane Tchiani has announced restrictions on flights from entering its airspace. The ban was announced in a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the nation’s airspace management authority.
The circular declared that “The airspace of Republic of Niger is opened to all national and international commercial flights from ground to unlimited except for Nigerian flights to or from Nigeria”. This move further deepens the political tension between both nations.
This restriction has been issued as a result of the ongoing ECOWAS debacle and statements by the leadership of the Sahel countries refusing to rejoin ECOWAS after their exit. Last week, Nigeria also announced restrictions on flights on the airspace of the Republic of Niger.
Prohibition on the use of the Nigerien airspace is projected to increase travel period and costs for international and national flights to and from Nigeria. The notice reiterated “that the Niger Republic airspace still remains closed for all military, operational and other special flights”.
While talks are ongoing by member states over the exit of ECOWAS member states, the African Union (AU) has expressed concerns over the situation and called for unity in the region.
Since the release of the statement, Nigerians have lamented over the ongoing crises and the ripple effects on the economy. Some Nigerians on social media have also raised concerns about the possibility of similar restrictions on air travel by other military-led juntas in the Sahelian bloc and the attendant effect on livelihood in the nation.
