The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing strict travel restrictions on Nigerians who hold an ECOWAS passport. Travelers without a valid international passport are now being denied entry into the country.
This development comes after Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Despite the border between Nigeria and Niger remaining open, new immigration measures are being implemented at key crossings like Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger). These restrictions have created difficulties for traders and commuters who frequently travel between the two countries.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a Nigerian trader, confirmed the situation, saying, “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.”
He further noted that some travelers have already been turned back, adding that a new passport is reportedly being issued to replace the ECOWAS travel document. According to him, the uncertainty surrounding these new policies has left many traders worried about the future of their businesses.
A source in Taiwan, a region in Niger Republic, told PUNCH that border officials are refusing entry to those with only an ECOWAS passport. “Some of our people have already been sent home. The authorities insist on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travelers,” the source explained.
