Niger has introduced new rules blocking Nigerians with ECOWAS passports from entering the country.
This development follows Niger’s recent exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Although Niger shares an open border with Nigeria, the latest immigration restrictions are now being enforced at major crossing points, such as Illela in Nigeria and Konni in Niger. This has created problems for traders and commuters who can no longer use their ECOWAS passports to travel.
An immigration officer at the Jibia/Magama border in Katsina State confirmed on Tuesday that the new rule had taken effect.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officer said, “They no longer recognise Nigerians travelling into Niger Republic holding the ECOWAS Travel Certificate (ETC) or ECOWAS passport as of this morning (Tuesday).”
He also mentioned that Nigerian immigration officials were not yet imposing the same restrictions on Nigerien citizens, awaiting further instructions from their superiors to fully enforce the new rules.
The ECOWAS passport and travel certificate were designed to ease movement between West African nations. However, with Niger’s latest stance, movement across the border is becoming more difficult, especially for traders who rely on cross-border business.
While there has been no formal statement from Niger’s government, affected travellers worry the restrictions could worsen, further disrupting trade and travel between both nations.
