The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing restrictions on Nigerians travelling with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passport, barring entry for those without a valid international passport.
This move follows the country’s recent withdrawal from ECOWAS alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Despite maintaining an open border with Nigeria, new immigration measures are being implemented at crossings such as Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger). Cross-border traders and commuters now face difficulties as Nigerien authorities refuse to recognise the ECOWAS passport as a valid means of identification.
Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a trader who frequently travels between the two countries, confirmed the development.
He said, “I believe there is a move to abolish the ECOWAS passport as a means of travelling here; they have started harassing us if we enter the country.
“Some of our people are being turned back home. We learnt that there is a new passport being issued now to everyone coming to Niger Republic to replace the old ECOWAS passport.
“Some of our people are getting scared of the aftermath of all these issues, which have started to affect our business and trading activities.”
According to a source in Taiwan, a state in Niger Republic, border officials have started turning back individuals relying solely on the 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 travellers,” he explained.
Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, alleged that security officials in Niger have begun exploiting the situation to extort travellers.
Although the Nigerien government has yet to officially confirm a complete ban on ECOWAS passports, affected travellers fear that the situation could worsen, disrupting trade and movement across the border.
The PUNCH reports Head of Communication ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, said the regional bloc was unaware of Niger Republic’s policy to bar ECOWAS passport holders.
