ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Republic of Niger has started enforcing travel restrictions on Nigerians holding ECOWAS passports, denying entry to those without a valid international passport.
This action follows Niger’s recent decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), joining Mali and Burkina Faso in the move.
Although the border with Nigeria remains open, new immigration controls are now being enforced at crossings like Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
These measures are causing challenges for cross-border traders and commuters, as Nigerien authorities no longer recognize the ECOWAS passport as a legitimate form of identification.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a regular traveler between the two nations, confirmed this development.
He stated, “I believe there is an effort to eliminate the ECOWAS passport as a travel document here; they have begun harassing us when we try to enter the country.
“Some of our people are being sent back. We’ve heard that a new passport is now being issued to everyone coming to Niger Republic to replace the old ECOWAS passport.
“Some of our people are getting worried about the consequences of these issues, which are already impacting our business and trade activities.”
A source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, revealed that border officials have begun turning away individuals relying solely on the ECOWAS passport.
“Some of our people have already been sent back. The authorities are insisting on their own national passport, making it difficult for traders and travelers,” he explained.
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Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, claimed that security officials in Niger have started exploiting the situation to extort money from travelers.
“They demand between 5,000 to 10,000 CFA to let those with an ECOWAS passport pass. If you don’t have Niger’s new identification document, they take you to their office and pressure you to pay a bribe.
“Once they stop a vehicle or motorcycle at the border, they take you to their office and demand the passport, which they know we don’t have. They then collect a bribe before letting you go,” he added.
A trader in Illela, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, confirmed that Niger’s exit from ECOWAS has not immediately affected trade or movement across the border. He said, “We’ve continued our normal activities, and there is no sign of an impending closure.
“The border remains open on both the Nigerian and Nigerien sides. We’ve heard rumours that the military junta in Niger is considering restricting motorcycle movement between the two countries, but for now, nothing concrete has been decided.”
Although the Nigerien government has not yet officially communicated a total ban on ECOWAS passports, concerned travelers worry the situation may worsen, disrupting trade and movement at the border.
When contacted on Monday, Head of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, stated that the regional bloc was unaware of Niger Republic’s policy to block ECOWAS passport holders.
(PUNCH )